Rustic Garden Party: Cherry Galette
Welcome August! I can hardly believe summer is half over already, and back to school and fall displays are already in stores. The kids and I don’t go back till after Labour Day, so we’re squeezing in all the fun we can for the next month. I’m so glad you’ve joined me for my rustic garden party today! The weather has been beautiful here in Vancouver and we’ve been spending lots of time outdoors and poolside in our own backyard. At the back of our yard we have a fire pit area with some weathered furniture and some slightly overgrown shrubs (that’s a nice way of saying weeds 🤣) I thought it would be fun to serve dessert out there and so I set up a little rustic garden party. I put a twist on my usual berry galette and used local cherries instead. I’ll share the recipe later on in the post!
If you’re not familiar with galette, it’s like a pie but half the work because you only make one crust. So easy but just a little fancy looking right?!? I will admit pitting the cherries takes a bit of time, but absolutely worth it! Plus I love using local fruit that’s in season in the summer. To see the step-by-step, check out my Blackberry Galette post HERE
There’s nothing like cold lemonade on a hot day, so I served this sparkling variety in tall, old-fashioned glasses. The silver tray contrasts with the rest of the rustic elements and adds a special touch. The posy in the distressed urn are snippets from my garden.
Even Kellogg wants a piece! He was such a good boy while I was setting everything up, but I wouldn’t trust him (or the birds or bears 🙈) if I walked away.
Like the silver tray, the white tablecloth is a contrast to the weathered furniture and outdoor patio. I really like the touch of romance it adds out here.
I think it’s about time I shared the recipe for this yummy and easy dessert with you guys!
Cherry Galette
Ingredients:
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup cold, unsalted butter
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
2 teaspoons ice water
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Filling:
1/2 cup granulated sugar
3 tablespoons cornstarch
1/8 teaspoon salt
4 cups sliced, pitted cherries
coarse sugar for dusting
Method:
- Mix flour with granulated sugar and 1/4 tsp salt in a mixer. Add butter and mix until crumbs form. With motor running, add almond extract, ice water and lemon juice. Continue mixing just until dough comes together. It should not be sticky.
- Preheat oven to 375F. Lay a large piece of parchment on counter and sprinkle lightly with flour. Pat pastry dough into a ball and dust rolling-pin with flour. Roll pastry on parchment into a circle, about 12 in. wide. Pastry will be thin and edges will be uneven. Transfer parchment and pastry to baking sheet.
- Combine sugar, cornstarch and 1/8 tsp salt in a large bowl. Stir in cherries until evenly coated. Pour fruit onto centre of pastry, forming a 10-in. circle. Fold pastry over, just to cover edge of fruit. Centre of pie should not be covered with pastry, and edge will be uneven. Lightly brush pastry with water, then sprinkle with coarse sugar.
- Bake on bottom oven rack until pastry is golden and mixture is bubbly, 35 to 40 min. Best served warm with vanilla ice cream, or cool with whipping cream.
Styling this garden party was so much fun! Anytime I get to style a new space or use a space in a new way is always a fun challenge. Wishing you lots of special summer moments and tasty treats before Labour Day!
Judy xo
