Mini Cherry Galettes

 

Mini Cherry Galettes: A Delightful Pastry Perfect for Any Occasion

Galettes are a charming and rustic pastry that showcases the beauty of simple ingredients and straightforward techniques. Mini Cherry Galettes take this classic pastry and transform it into bite-sized delights, perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying as a personal treat. In this article, we'll explore how to make these delectable pastries from scratch, covering everything from ingredients and preparation to tips for achieving perfect results.

Introduction

Mini Cherry Galettes are individual-sized pastries that are both visually appealing and scrumptious. With their flaky, buttery crust and sweet, juicy cherry filling, these galettes offer a delightful combination of textures and flavors. Ideal for summer when cherries are in season, these galettes can also be enjoyed year-round using frozen cherries. Their simple, rustic presentation makes them an excellent choice for any occasion, whether it's a casual afternoon snack or a more formal gathering.

Ingredients

To make Mini Cherry Galettes, you will need the following ingredients:

For the Dough:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (cold, cut into small cubes)
• 1/4 cup cold water (plus more if needed)

For the Cherry Filling:

• 2 cups fresh cherries (pitted and halved; or frozen cherries, thawed and drained)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional, for added depth of flavor)
• Pinch of salt

For the Topping:

• 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
• 1 tablespoon coarse sugar (for sprinkling)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, and salt.
2. Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized pieces of butter remaining.
3. Gradually add the cold water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing gently until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overwork the dough.
4. Divide the dough into 6-8 equal portions and shape each portion into a disc. Wrap each disc in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Cherry Filling

1. In a medium bowl, combine the pitted and halved cherries with the granulated sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, vanilla extract, almond extract (if using), and a pinch of salt. Mix well and set aside.

Step 3: Roll Out the Dough

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. On a lightly floured surface, roll out each disc of dough into a rough 6-inch circle. The dough should be about 1/8 inch thick. Don’t worry if the edges are uneven; rustic is part of the charm!
3. Transfer the rolled-out dough to the prepared baking sheet.

Step 4: Assemble the Galettes

1. Spoon a generous amount of cherry filling onto the center of each dough circle, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
2. Fold the edges of the dough up and over the filling, pleating as you go to create a rustic, open-faced pastry. The center will remain exposed.
3. Brush the exposed edges of the dough with the beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse sugar for a golden, sugary finish.

Step 5: Bake

1. Bake the galettes in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
2. Remove from the oven and allow the galettes to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips for Perfect Mini Cherry Galettes

1. Chill the Dough: Ensure the dough is well-chilled before rolling out. This will help keep the butter solid, leading to a flakier crust.
2. Avoid Overfilling: Be careful not to overfill the galettes, as the juices can leak out and burn on the baking sheet.
3. Use Cold Butter: For a flakier crust, use very cold butter and avoid overworking the dough.
4. Frozen Cherries: If using frozen cherries, make sure they are thoroughly thawed and drained to avoid excess moisture in the filling.

Nutritional Information

Each Mini Cherry Galette contains approximately:

• Calories: 250
• Total Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Cholesterol: 35mg
• Sodium: 180mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 30g
• Dietary Fiber: 2g
• Sugars: 15g
• Protein: 3g

These nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Storage and Serving

Storage: Store any leftover galettes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes to restore crispness.

Serving: Mini Cherry Galettes are delicious on their own or served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. They also make a lovely addition to a brunch spread or dessert table.

Conclusion

Mini Cherry Galettes are a delightful pastry that combines the simple elegance of a galette with the sweet, juicy flavor of cherries. Their individual size makes them perfect for sharing or enjoying as a special treat. With a flaky, buttery crust and a burst of fruity goodness, these galettes are sure to impress anyone who tastes them. So, gather your ingredients, follow these steps, and enjoy a taste of rustic elegance with every bite!