Cottage cheese galette with apricots and flaked almonds

Ingredients

160 grams (5.6 ounces) cottage cheese

100 grams (3.5 ounces) butter

170 grams (6 ounces) flour

20 grams (0.7 ounces) flaked almonds for decoration

0.25 teaspoon salt

2 large eggs

8 apricots (approximately 1 pound or 453 grams)

20 milliliters (0.7 fluid ounces) cream (10%)

40 grams (1.4 ounces) brown sugar

20 grams (0.7 ounces) coconut oil

Instructions

Step 1

In a large bowl, mix together the flour, cottage cheese, and chilled butter pieces. Quickly stir by hand until the butter pieces dissolve. Ensure the butter stays cold to improve the texture of the dough.

Step 2

Add 1 egg and salt to the mixture, then gently combine. Avoid kneading for too long to prevent the dough from becoming tough. Knead until the dough just comes together.

Step 3

Gather the dough into a ball, wrap it in cling film, and refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight. If the dough is too sticky, add a little flour. Chilling helps relax the gluten and makes the dough easier to handle.

Step 4

Preheat the oven to 338°F (170°C). Roll out the chilled dough between two sheets of baking paper into a circle about 30-35 cm (12-14 inches) in diameter. Using baking paper prevents sticking and eases the transfer.

Step 5

Cut the apricots in half and remove the pits. Place them in the center of the dough, cut side up, leaving a 4-6 cm (1.5-2.5 inch) border around the edges. Fold the edges of the dough over the apricots. Arranging the apricots neatly will ensure even baking.

Step 6

Beat the second egg with the cream and brush the edges of the dough. Sprinkle the apricots and the dough edges with brown sugar. This helps the galette develop a golden, glossy finish.

Step 7

Bake the galette in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown. About 5-7 minutes before it's done, sprinkle the flaked almonds over the top. Keep an eye on it to prevent over-browning. Bon appétit!

Servings

✨ Serve your *Apricot Galette* with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to add some extra luxuriance. Imagine the creamy ice cream melting over the warm, freshly-baked pastry – pure bliss! Another fantastic option is to pair the galette with fresh berries or a drizzle of honey for a hint of natural sweetness. 🌸

Why not take it up a notch? Enjoy your galette with a refreshing glass of sparkling wine or a cozy cup of herbal tea. It's a perfect treat for a picnic in the park, a fancy brunch, or a simple family dessert. 🍷🍓

Feeling fancy? Top with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a handful of flaked almonds right before serving for an added *crunch* and a touch of elegance. Your guests will be absolutely enchanted by both the presentation and the taste! ✨🍯

Equipment

Mixing Bowl

A sturdy bowl is essential for combining your ingredients seamlessly.

Baking Paper

Use it to roll out the dough without sticking, making clean-up a breeze!

Rolling Pin

Helps to achieve an even dough thickness for perfect baking.

Pastry Brush

Ideal for brushing the egg and cream mixture onto your galette crust.

Baking Sheet

Your trusty baking sheet will ensure even cooking and easy transfer of the galette to and from the oven.

Variations

Gluten-Free: 🎉 To make this galette gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a good quality gluten-free flour blend. Ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free and you're good to go!

Vegan: 🥥 Swap out the butter with a vegan margarine and replace the cottage cheese with a dairy-free alternative such as cashew cream cheese. Use a flaxseed mixture (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water) as an egg substitute, and opt for a plant-based cream for the brushing mixture. Enjoy a vegan treat that's equally delicious! 🌱🍑

Faq

Can I use frozen apricots?
Yes, just make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid extra moisture in the dough.
Do I need to chill the dough for so long?
Chilling the dough is essential as it helps the butter firm up, giving you a flakier crust.
How can I avoid a soggy bottom?
Pre-baking the dough slightly before adding the apricots can help, as well as ensuring any excess moisture is drained from the apricots.
Could I use a different fruit?
Absolutely! Peaches, plums, or cherries would work wonderfully as alternative fruits.
How do I know when the galette is done?
The crust should be a lovely golden-brown and crispy to touch. The apricots should be tender but not mushy.
Can I prepare the dough in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the dough a day ahead and refrigerate it until you're ready to bake.