A Galette is a French name for a flat or free formed round cake with a crusty pastry shell filled with delectable fruit inside. It is a perfect dessert for the current Autumnal season and to celebrate Thanksliving (as we Vegans call the holiday). We welcome the harvest by indulging in the bounty of the apple production, grown in all 50 of our states. Especially, in New York State where at least 30 varieties of apples are picked for their juicy healthy goodness, apples compliment breakfast, lunch and dinners.

It’s no contest as to what fruit dominates biblical stories, folklore and classical myths as it’s appealing deliciousness is celebrated throughout history, perhaps existing as long ago as pre- recorded history. Few can refuse this most perfect fruit as it serves up satisfaction in so many ways.

Apples which are in the Rose family are extremely rich in antioxidants, flavonoids and dietary fiber which are all important to a healthy body. They have no fat, cholesterol and are sodium free. It’s abundant amount of fiber (4 grams per fruit) is an excellent food for weight loss programs because it slows the digestion of foods and makes you feel full with less calories. They are instrumental in preventing many chronic diseases. You know how it goes, “an apple a day…” which comes from the old English adage “to eat an apple before going to bed, will make the doctor beg his bread”!

Originating in Central America, this sweet edible fruit can be used as a sauce, pie/cake ingredient, and also as a accompaniment to many vegetable dishes like sweet potatoes and carrots. So many spices are used to enhance the flavor as it marries well with cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, cloves and ginger. In this classic apple Galette, we will explore the richness that these seasonings give to the already enchanting apple flavor.

Apple varieties are endlessly delicious. Many are still picked by hand and come in a plethora of colors: red, green, and yellow. Some trees grow over 40 feet high and can live nearly 100 years. I used 3 ORGANIC apples for this Galette and whole wheat pastry flour for a more nutritious pie, plus high quality vanilla extract.  Many prefer the green Granny Smith variety for baking but i prefer a red firm Macintosh or Honey Crisp, which are also my favorites to eat raw.

APPLE GALETTE

Ingredients: crust

1 &1/2 c. whole wheat pastry flour

1 tbsp. ww. flour set aside

3 tbsp. cane sugar

1/4 teas. sea salt

1/2 c. unsalted Vegan butter, chilled and cubed

1/2 c. cold water

filling:  Use ORGANIC ingredients if available

3 medium apples, peeled and sliced into thin 1/4 inch slices

1/4 c. dark brown sugar

1 teas. pure vanilla extract

1 teas. cinnamon

1/4 teas. nutmeg

1/8 teas. cloves

1 tbsp. turbinado raw sugar

natural parchment paper

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees
2. prepare crust by whisking together the dry ingredients
3. cut butter into flour mixture until it looks like little crumbs
4. add water and knead until it forms a ball
5. roll out on floured parchment paper with a floured pin until 1/4 in. thick round dough
6. transfer parchment paper to a baking sheet

Prepare filling mixing as above with the spices and stir to combine. Arrange apples in center of dough leaving a space around the outer edges of the dough and fold toward the apples creating a rim. Sprinkle with the raw sugar.

Bake for 35 minutes, until apples are soft , brown in color and the center bubbles. Allow to cool slightly, at least 10 min., then slice and serve. Great with vanilla coconut ice cream or Vegan whipped cream available with soy or coconut ingredients. Sprinkle with additional cinnamon. 🍎

What a holiday treat!  Enjoy!