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What kind of recipe is it?
The Thanksgiving Spiced Pear Galette is a rustic, open-faced tart that showcases the warmth of seasonal flavors, making it a perfect dessert for holiday gatherings.
With its flaky crust and tender filling accentuated by spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, this dish embodies the essence of fall.
It’s easy to prepare, appealing to both novice bakers and seasoned chefs looking for a delightful yet straightforward recipe.
Ideal for family dinners or festive celebrations, it’s sure to impress guests and bring a cozy, homemade touch to the table.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 1 ½ cups |
| Unsalted butter | ½ cup (1 stick), cold and cubed |
| Granulated sugar | 2 tablespoons |
| Salt | ¼ teaspoon |
| Ice water | 4-6 tablespoons |
| Pears (medium, ripe) | 3-4 |
| Brown sugar | ¼ cup |
| Ground cinnamon | 1 teaspoon |
| Ground nutmeg | ½ teaspoon |
| Lemon juice | 1 tablespoon |
| Egg | 1 (for egg wash) |
| Milk (optional) | 1 tablespoon (for egg wash) |
This will provide a complete list of ingredients needed to prepare the Thanksgiving Spiced Pear Galette.
Cooking Steps
- Preheat the oven to 220°C (425°F) and position the oven rack in the lower third of the oven for even baking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 ½ cups (190 g) all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons (25 g) granulated sugar, and ¼ teaspoon salt. Whisk together until thoroughly mixed.
- Add ½ cup (113 g) cold, cubed unsalted butter into the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces of butter remaining.
- Slowly drizzle 4-6 tablespoons (60-90 ml) of ice water into the mixture, stirring gently with a fork until the dough starts to come together. Avoid overmixing.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface, shape it into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes for resting.
- While the dough chills, prepare the filling: peel, core, and thinly slice 3-4 medium ripe pears. Transfer the slices to a mixing bowl and combine with ¼ cup (50 g) brown sugar, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg, and 1 tablespoon (15 ml) lemon juice. Toss to coat and let sit for 15 minutes.
- On a floured surface, roll the chilled dough into a 30 cm (12-inch) circle, about 3 mm (⅛ inch) thick. Transfer it to a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Arrange the pear filling in the center of the rolled-out dough, leaving a 5 cm (2-inch) border around the edges. Fold the edges of the dough over the pears, pleating as needed to create a rustic edge.
- Beat 1 egg and optionally mix in 1 tablespoon (15 ml) milk for the egg wash. Brush this mixture over the exposed dough edges to achieve a golden color while baking.
- Place the galette in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the pears are tender and aromatic.
- Once baked, remove from the oven and allow the galette to cool on the baking sheet for 10-15 minutes to set.
- Serve warm or at room temperature, optionally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. Enjoy the flavors and aromas of the spiced pears!
Variations
- Almond Flour Galette: Substitute 1 ½ cups (190 g) all-purpose flour with 1 ½ cups (150 g) almond flour for a gluten-free option that adds a nutty flavor.
- Maple Pecan Pear Galette: Replace brown sugar with ¼ cup (60 ml) pure maple syrup and add ½ cup (60 g) chopped pecans into the pear filling for an autumn-inspired twist.
- Vegan Spiced Pear Galette: Use ½ cup (113 g) coconut oil instead of butter and replace the egg wash with a mixture of 1 tablespoon (15 ml) almond milk and 1 tablespoon (15 ml) maple syrup for a dairy-free dessert.
- Cinnamon Roll Galette: Add 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon to the flour mixture and swirl in ¼ cup (50 g) of softened cream cheese mixed with 2 tablespoons (30 g) powdered sugar for a rich, sweet flavor.
Tips on plating and presentation
After exploring some delicious variations of the Thanksgiving spiced pear galette, let’s focus on how to make it visually stunning when serving.
I like to dust my galette with powdered sugar just before serving, adding a touch of elegance.
Plating it on a rustic wooden board, next to fresh pears and sprigs of thyme, creates a cozy, inviting presentation your guests will love.
What other dishes can I pair it with?
When planning the perfect meal to accompany your Thanksgiving spiced pear galette, consider offering a trio of delightful dishes that complement its flavors beautifully.
I love serving a creamy, herbed goat cheese spread, paired with a light arugula salad drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette.
Finally, a fragrant butternut squash soup will warm your guests’ hearts, making it a harmonious dining experience.
What drinks can I pair it with?
How can you elevate your Thanksgiving spiced pear galette experience with the right drink pairing?
I love serving it with a light, fruity white wine like a Gewürztraminer, which complements the spices beautifully.
Alternatively, a warm spiced cider enhances the cozy flavors, making it an ideal choice for the season.
Don’t forget a splash of sparkling water for a reviving contrast!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Make the Galette Crust in Advance?
I often make the galette crust a day in advance. I just wrap it tightly and store it in the fridge. It saves time, and I find it tastes even better after chilling!
How Do I Store Leftover Galette?
I usually store leftover galette by wrapping it in foil or placing it in an airtight container. Then, I keep it in the fridge to maintain freshness, enjoying it within a few days for the best flavor.
Is This Recipe Suitable for Gluten-Free Diets?
Yes, I’ve adapted this recipe to be suitable for gluten-free diets by using gluten-free flour. It still delivers delicious flavor and texture, so anyone can enjoy it without worrying about gluten sensitivity.
Can I Substitute Pears With Other Fruits?
I often substitute pears with apples or peaches for a different flavor. Just adjust the spices a bit. You’ll find other fruits can bring their own unique twist to the recipe! Enjoy experimenting!
How Do I Prevent the Galette From Becoming Soggy?
To prevent my galette from getting soggy, I always pre-bake the bottom crust slightly and avoid overfilling it with juices. Using a thicker fruit filling also helps keep everything crisp and delicious.