Apple Galette

By tulawdog

Ingredients

• or the crust (makes two 9" pies):
• 2 1/2 cups all purpose flour (about 12.5 ounces)
• 1 and 3/4 sticks salted butter (14 Tablespoons)
• 1 T raw cane sugar
• 6 ounces gruyere or sharp cheddar cheese, grated
• 1/4 cup cold vodka (any liquor 80 proof or higher)
• 1/4 cup ice water
• for the filling:
• 3 large apples, cored and sliced (and peeled if you're fancy like that)*
• 2 T salted butter
• 3 T raw cane sugar
• 1 heaping Tablespoon honey or apricot preserves

Preparation

Step 1

1. Place flour and sugar in a large bowl. Make sure butter is very cold and chop into large chunks with a knife. Cut the butter into the flour with two forks, a potato masher or a pastry cutter. It is better to under mix at this stage than to over mix. Stop cutting when the pieces of butter are about the size of an M&M. Don't be tempted to do this step in a food processor, since the heat of the motor will affect the temperature of the butter.

2. Fold in the cheese so that it is coated with flour. Drizzle in vodka and water. If 1/4 cup water isn't enough, add more 1 Tablespoon at a time (mine took 3T extra). Working quickly, use your hands to form a ball. You should be able to see butter marbled throughout the dough. Cut into two pieces, form discs and cover tightly with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least one hour.

3. Preheat over to 400. On a well floured area, roll out one piece of dough until it is 1/8" thick. Use the pastry scraper to fold the sheet into thirds (pictured above) . If you have an 8" or 9" tart pan, oil it and unfold the dough (you should have about an inch or two hanging over the sides). If you don't have a tart pan, place the dough on a piece of parchment paper on a large cookie sheet. Use a plate or cake pan to mark an 8" or 9" circle in the center. Place Apples in the center and sprinkle with sugar. Fold the edges of the dough over the apples and dot with butter. Brush dough with butter, egg, or cream if desired.

4. Bake for 45 minutes, turning every 15. Let cool for 15 minutes. Brush the top of the apples with warmed honey (10 seconds in the microwave) or preserves to glaze. Let cool another 15 minutes before slicing.