Apple Galette
Somewhere Between Pie and Tart Lies Heavenly Dessert
Classic French Galette - Rustic and Delicious
Jacques Pepin's recipe is the most straightforward of many reviewed. With delicious fall apples so readily available, why bother with frangipane cream? Any one of the 300 recipes in the database on his site, mostly home-style French recipes, will take you right back to his PBS (Public Broadcast Service) shows. Cooking with Julia was a popular and well-loved show.
The boy from Lyons (or nearby) began cooking early, formally apprenticing at age 13. His career led him to cook for three heads of state (including Charles de Gaulle) as well as millions of PBS viewers. He's widely acclaimed and currently sits on the faculty at the French Culinary Institute in New York City as well as the School of Gastronomy at Boston University. He's authored 25 cookbooks and holds three of France's highest honors.
Can't you hear his "sharm-ing" but still "ay-vee ahx-ahnt?" The best thing about watching his shows is that they are devoid of "Bam!" or bands or gimmicks. Just the facts and good French food you can make at home. He is also not afraid to let the food take center stage. Here is a link to his site, which contains a treasure trove of recipes. The website is not the flashiest, but then, that is in keeping with his presentation. Check out the tips and techniques section.
Not Just for Dessert - Galettes Are Savory, Too
Galettes seem to be cropping up everywhere. Gourmet Magazine's Thanksgiving 2007 includes it in their Vegetarian's Dilemma Thanksgiving. That spread features the galette in its dessert incarnation. However, the technique lends itself just as well to savory dishes. Lighter than quiche, these galettes offer the satisfaction of a well-made crust, with rustic appeal showcasing beautiful fall vegetables with no need of cream or egg.
A newly discovered food blogger SmittenKitchen with, conveniently enough, a photographer husband, shows us both the sweet and savory side of the galette. Smitten Kitchen is a well-written, entertaining blog. Methodical (without being boring) a true how-to-cook blog. The author writes and cooks from a small apartment, so you have no excuses.
Combinations that would work well for savory - cheese- carmelized onions; mushrooms -thyme- shallots; sweet potatoes- leeks; mushrooms and spinach.
Tip: Calvados is a French apple brandy that is perfect for glazing desserts such as galette. It's also wonderful in other savory glazes or sauces for pork or chicken.
Pepin Parapluie
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