Sunday, March 15, 2009

Apple Galette Made with the World's Easiest Pie Crust

Apple Galette with the World's Easiest Pie CrustI've been holding onto this recipe for a bit. I've posted pie recipes before but I've never let slip my secret pie crust recipe. It's wild, it's weird, it'll blow your mind because it goes against all the things you think you know about making pie crusts--namely don't work the dough very much, keep it cold and don't let the fat melt.

I got it from a friend of mine who had the pie crusting experience to back up the strangeness of the recipe and she convinced me that there must be something to it if she was using it. I believe she originally got it from a women's magazine somewhere years ago but I present it to you today as my gift.

I promise that it's easier to work than normal pastry and just as flaky and pleasing. You're going to squeal when you take a bite I promise.

As for the galette, if you love pie (as I do) this is really the way to go. You don't need to handle the pesky pastry, you just roll out the dough on a greased cookie sheet, fill and fold and you've got a beautiful dessert with all the wonders of a full pie without the hassle. Seriously? Why mess with anything else?

3/4 cup shortening
1 tablespoon milk
1/4 cup boiling water
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
2-3 small apples, peeled and cored
1/4 cup sugar
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
dash of salt
1 tablespoon flour

For crust (makes enough for two galettes): mix first three ingredients with a mixer until everything is all light and fluffy. Add the flour and salt, beat at lowest speed until all the dry ingredients are moistened and the dough is sticking together.

Divide the dough in half and shape into two balls. Cover with plastic wrap and chill at least four hours.

Meanwhile, toss apple slices with sugar, cinnamon, lemon juice, salt and flour.

When the dough is ready roll it out on a greased cooked sheet but flour the top of the dough and place a piece of waxed paper over the dough (wax side to the dough) and roll it with a rolling pin until it's big enough. Mound the apple filling in the middle of the dough and fold the edges toward the center, overlapping as you go.

Sprinkle with sugar and bake at 400 degrees for about 30 minutes or until pleasingly browned. Serve with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for topping.

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17 comments:

Anonymous said...

I'm intrigued by the pie crust.
I make tons of pies and the crust is always complimented, but I'm up for something new.
My family thanks you in advance for the pies that I will now be baking this week!

Michelle Glauser said...

Happy Pi day yesterday!

jacjewelry said...

Thank you for sharing your secret with us! The whole time I was reading, I was thinking: it'd be so good with ice cream! And then I saw at the end: serve with vanilla ice cream! :) Yes, apple pie and vanilla ice cream is the perfect combination.

Libby's Library said...

I just printed the recipe. I'm certainly willing to give it a try.
I'll just have to send the hubby to the grocery store for apples.

Thanks for sharing!

Inkling said...

Instead of shortening, would it work with butter? My hubby banned Crisco from our house, so that complicates matters even though our bodies are happier. And yes, he's not a fan of butter either, but he hasn't banned it yet. ;)

Shelly Wildman said...

I have wanted to try a galette for the longest time--this confirms it! I'm definitely going to try this recipe this week. Thanks so much!

(I am just TERRIBLE with pie crust, but Ina Garten's works pretty well for me.)

3 Bay B Chicks said...

Truly a miracle recipe. I have longed practice the same technique. Don't work the dough too much and keep it cold. Works everytime!

Thanks for sharing your recipe. Will definitely have to try this one.

-Francesca

Mirien said...

No way! Boiling water, and a mixer? This I've got to try. I think I'll use the frozen cherries in my freezer. Thanks for leaking your secret recipe!

Mary@notbefore7 said...

Oh yummy! Just in time for a Happy Pi day!

Unknown said...

I bake a lot of pies and tarts. I love my pie crust but I'll try this one as a change of pace. Looks great!

Madeline said...

Yum, yum, and double yum!! I do love an good apple pie, and not having to fuss so much over the crust sounds fabulous. And, it even looks beautiful too!

Anonymous said...

I am so trying this! Thanks for spilling.

threesidesofcrazy said...

I wish my computer screen was like one of the food automats. I'd put my money in a get a slice of you galette. YUMMY!

Alison Kelley said...

We used to have a restaurant called Uno's around here and they served the most amazing apple treat. It was call the "All American" You got a giant bear mug full of piping hot apple pie topped with vanilla ice cream and whip cream. It was amazing, the restaurant has since closed so now I make it myself. Thanks for sharing this easy pie crust recipe, I was looking for one that wasn't too complicated like the one I have.

Tara @ Feels Like Home said...

This looks delicious. I normally buy pie crust at the store, but I might try yours. :)

Anonymous said...

I finally made that cider and thought I'd come here and let you know it was delicious! =) Which really surprised me because I'm not a fan of cider, but apparently now I am lol.

And then, look what I found! A new recipe to try out! YAY!

Amy said...

I am super intrigued by this pie crust recipe- I have a bookmark on it and am definitely going to be trying it. Thanks for sharing your baking secrets :)