Apricot galette with honey & thyme

Ingredients

Galette

200 grams (7.05 ounces) flour
120 grams (4.23 ounces) cold butter
0.33 teaspoon salt
2 egg yolks
100 grams (3.53 ounces) ground almonds (or any nuts)
400 grams (14.11 ounces) heavy cottage cheese
2 eggs
100 grams (3.53 ounces) sugar
30 grams (1.05 ounces) cornstarch
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
300 grams (10.58 ounces) fruits or berries
Sugar for sprinkling (optional)
Egg yolk for greasing (optional)

Equipment

Mixing Bowl
A sturdy mixing bowl is essential for blending the pastry ingredients effectively. Make sure it's large enough to hold all your ingredients without spilling.
Food Processor
This can make your life easier by quickly grinding the butter into the flour for a fine, crumbly texture.
Rolling Pin
A rolling pin will help you roll out the dough into a perfect circle or oval shape. Chill the rolling pin if possible for easier handling of the dough.
Baking Dish
Use a baking dish lined with baking paper to avoid sticking and ensure even baking.
Pastry Brush
This is handy for brushing the egg yolk on the pastry edges for that perfect golden-brown finish.

Instructions

Step 1

Step 1: For the pastry, mix the flour and salt in a bowl. Add the diced butter and cut the mixture into crumbs using a knife or a food processor. Add the egg yolks and quickly knead the dough, adding a little cold water if necessary. Shape into a rectangle, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 60 minutes or several hours. Chilling the dough helps to relax the gluten and make it easier to roll out.

Step 2

Step 2: Preheat the oven to 356°F (180°C). Line a baking dish with baking paper. Using baking paper ensures the galette doesn't stick to the dish and makes for easy cleanup.

Step 3

Step 3: If necessary, rub the cottage cheese through a sieve or blend it until smooth. Add the eggs, sugar, and vanilla extract; sift in the cornstarch and mix well. The filling should not be too liquid; if necessary, add another tablespoon of cornstarch. Blending the cottage cheese ensures a smooth and creamy texture for the filling.

Step 4

Step 4: Roll out the chilled dough into a circle or several small circles about 3-5mm thick (you can choose your desired shape). Transfer the dough to the baking dish. Sprinkle the dough with ground nuts, then spread the cottage cheese filling, leaving a 3cm border from the edge. Arrange the fruits or berries on top (if the berries are very juicy, mix them with 1 tablespoon of cornstarch beforehand). Fold the edges towards the center, slightly covering the filling. Lightly grease the edges with egg yolk and sprinkle with sugar. Bake for 25-35 minutes until golden brown. Folding the edges helps to keep the filling in place while baking.

Servings

🍴 **Serving Suggestions & Ideas** 🍴

Nothing says comfort like a slice of warm galette fresh out of the oven. Once your galette is baked to perfection, let it cool for a few minutes to set the filling.

*Slice and Serve with Ice Cream*: 🍨 Imagine a scoop of vanilla ice cream melting over a warm slice of galette. The creamy texture complements the fruity filling beautifully and turns it into an indulgent dessert.

*Afternoon Coffee Companion*: ☕ This galette pairs exquisitely with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or tea. A perfect pick-me-up during those lazy afternoons.

*Brunch Star*: 🌞 Bringing some friends over for brunch? This galette will undoubtedly steal the spotlight on your brunch table. Serve it with a selection of cheeses, nuts, and fresh fruits for a well-rounded meal.

*Holiday Treat*: 🎄 Add a holiday twist by sprinkling some powdered sugar or a dollop of whipped cream on top. Presenting it on a festive platter will make it the highlight of your holiday dessert table.

Variations

🌿 **Gluten-Free Variation** 🌿

For those who are gluten-sensitive, you can simply replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure the flour blend contains a binding agent like xanthan gum for the right texture.

🌱 **Vegan Variation** 🌱

To make this galette vegan-friendly, substitute the butter with a plant-based butter alternative and replace the egg yolk in the dough with a flaxseed "egg" (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water). For the filling, use a vegan cream cheese instead of cottage cheese, and replace the egg with a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water).

Your friends and family won't even notice these swaps, and everyone can enjoy a slice of this amazing galette! 🍰

Faq

Q: How do I know when the galette is done baking?
A: The galette is done when the crust turns golden-brown and the filling is set. You can also check if the bottom is firm and baked through.
Q: Can I use frozen fruit for the filling?
A: Yes, you can use frozen fruits, but be sure to thaw and drain them properly to avoid excess moisture in the filling.
Q: What if my dough is too sticky while rolling out?
A: If the dough is sticky, try chilling it for a bit longer. You can also dust your work surface and rolling pin with flour to make it easier to handle.
Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and keep it wrapped in plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, or freeze it for up to a month.
Q: How can I make my crust flakier?
A: Ensure your butter is very cold when you incorporate it into the flour. Avoid overworking the dough to keep it light and flaky.
Q: Can I add other flavors to the filling?
A: Yes, feel free to experiment with different extracts like almond or lemon, or even spices like cinnamon and nutmeg to add extra flavor to your filling.