Rustic Apple Galette

I couldn't agree more with Jane Austen when she said, "Good apple pies are a considerable part of our domestic happiness".

I've already posted my favorite apple pie recipe, but since according to Miss Austen and myself, apple pies give us so much happiness, here is a variation on the classic pie. This Apple Galette is VERY quick and easy to make, and just as good and comforting as a pie you've spent lots of time on. Plus it looks really pretty when it's done! Give it a try and you won't be disappointed!

RUSTIC APPLE GALETTE

(From The Williams Sonoma Baking Book)

PASTRY DOUGH INGREDIENTS:

1 1/4 cups (200g) all purpose flour

1 tbs sugar

1/4 tsp salt

1/2 cup (125g) unsalted butter, chilled and cut into small cubes

3 tbs ice water

FILLING INGREDIENTS:

4 large apples, peeled and thinly sliced

2 tbs sugar

1 tbs cold unsalted butter, cut into very small pieces

DIRECTIONS:

In your mixer, combine flour, sugar and salt. Begin adding butter, until the mixture resembles coarse meal. Continuing to mix, add the ice water and mix until the dough holds together. Form the dough into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 20 minutes.

Take your dough and roll it out into a 12-in (30 cm) round. Prepare a baking sheet lined with parchment paper (it doesn't need to be greased) and place your dough on it.

Take your thinly sliced apples, and arrange them on your dough, leaving a 1 to 2-in (2.5 - 5cm) border around the edges. Now begin folding the uncovered border of dough over the apples, and dot them with the small pieces of butter and sprinkle with sugar. Take some aluminum foil and cover the dough edges of the galette with it, so they don't burn or unfold while it is baking. Refrigerate the galette for 20 - 30 minutes, until the dough is nice and firm.

Preheat your oven to 425 deg F (220 deg C) and bake the galette for 15 minutes, then reduce the oven temperature to 375 deg F (190 deg C) for another 30 - 40 minutes, until the apples are soft and bubbling, and the crust is golden brown. Depending on your oven type, baking time may vary.

Let the galette cool for a couple minutes before eating, serve with vanilla ice cream, or anything else you would typically serve with your apple pie! Super easy AND delicious! Happy baking!