As the temperatures begin to mellow and Labor Day signals the transition from summer to autumn, the allure of baking beckons once again. A harmonious melody of flavors awaits those willing to explore the interplay between two ingredients that straddle the boundary between seasons: the peach and the apple.
While the peach boasts a sweetness reminiscent of sun-kissed days and its unique succulence, the apple introduces a crispness akin to an autumn morning, perfectly harmonizing with the essence of fall holidays. This is the juncture where summer’s end and autumn’s embrace entwine, both fruits reaching their peak flavors.
A Bounty of Seasonal Delight:
These luscious fruits, in all their juicy splendor, grace local farmstands and markets. For the adventurous souls, a journey north to Hood River unveils orchards along the iconic Fruit Loop, inviting you to indulge in a quintessential autumn experience. For a longer escapade, add the Columbia Gorge Scenic Byway to your itinerary, creating a tapestry of flavors and sights.
A Taste of Galette Elegance:
At the heart of this culinary experience is the Peach and Apple Galette – a rustic, uncomplicated cousin of the traditional pie. Fear not, for the French origins of the word “galette” lend an air of sophistication that belies its simplicity, leaving your loved ones duly impressed by your culinary prowess.
Pie Crust Ingredients:
- 1.5 cups flour
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup butter, chilled and cubed
- 7-10 tablespoons ice-cold water
Directions for Pie Crust:
- In a medium mixing bowl, sift together flour, sugar, and salt.
- Incorporate chilled, cubed butter using a pastry cutter or fork until pea-sized granules form.
- Gradually add ice-cold water, one tablespoon at a time, stirring until the dough just comes together.
- Wrap the dough in cling wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface to a 12-inch diameter circle and place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Filling Ingredients:
- 2 large peaches, thinly sliced
- 2 large apples, peeled and thinly sliced
- ½ ounce fresh lemon juice
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon flour
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon cardamom
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon cold water
Directions for Filling:
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
- In a medium mixing bowl, coat peaches and apples with lemon juice, sugar, flour, cinnamon, and cardamom.
- Pour the mixture onto the center of the dough, leaving about two inches on all sides.
- Gently fold up the dough to cover the outer edge of the filling, pinching it together if necessary.
- In a small dish, beat the egg and water, then brush it on the exposed dough edge. Optionally, sprinkle with cinnamon sugar.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until the pastry is golden brown and the filling caramelizes slightly.
- Serve warm, accompanied by whipped cream or ice cream. Store leftovers in the refrigerator.
As you embark on this delightful culinary journey, allow the Peach and Apple Galette to be your guide, bridging the gap between seasons and flavors. Share in the joy of creation, and savor the enchanting blend of sweetness and crispness, a testament to the beauty of changing seasons.
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