Galettes aux Noix Périgourdines

Introduction to Galettes aux Noix Périgourdines

Galettes aux Noix Périgourdines are a delightful French pastry that hails from the Périgord region, renowned for its culinary excellence, especially in the use of walnuts. These savory cakes celebrate the rich, nutty flavor of walnuts, making them a popular treat during the autumn harvest when walnuts are at their freshest. The Périgord area itself has a storied tradition in French gastronomy, contributing truffles, foie gras, and, of course, its famous walnuts to global kitchens.

The galette's history traces back to rustic countryside kitchens, where local ingredients were elevated through simple yet elegant techniques. Famous among both locals and tourists, these galettes are often enjoyed with a glass of wine or as part of a larger meal featuring other regional specialties.

Ingredients

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• Walnuts - 150g, finely chopped
• Butter - 100g, softened
• Flour - 200g
• Sugar - 50g
• Egg - 1 large
• Milk - 50ml
• Baking powder - 1 teaspoon
• Salt - a pinch

Preparation

Before we begin the preparation, ensure you have all your ingredients pre-measured and ready. This is a key step in achieving the perfect galette texture and flavor. Familiarize yourself with your cooking timer to keep track of key steps.

Step 1: Mixing the Dough

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the butter and sugar. Cream them together until you have a light and fluffy mixture.
2. Add in the egg and beat well to integrate.
3. Sift the flour with the baking powder and salt. Slowly add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring continuously to form a dough.
4. Fold in the finely chopped walnuts, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
5. Finally, pour in the milk a little at a time while continuing to stir, ensuring the dough becomes smooth and cohesive.

Step 2: Shaping the Galettes

1. Lightly dust a clean surface with flour. Roll out the dough to a thickness of about 1-2 cm.
2. Using a pastry cutter, cut out rounds from the dough. These will be your galettes.
3. Place each galette onto a parchment-lined baking tray, allowing some space for expansion during baking.

Step 3: Baking the Galettes

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. Bake the galettes in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, until the edges turn a golden brown. Keep a close watch and use your cooking timer to avoid over-baking.
3. Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly before handling.

Enjoying Your Galettes aux Noix Périgourdines

These galettes are best enjoyed warm, allowing the buttery richness and nutty walnuts to really shine. Serve them as an afternoon snack with tea or coffee, or as a quaint dessert with a dollop of cream or ice cream on the side. They also pair beautifully with a sweet white wine such as Monbazillac, another treasure of the Périgord region.

Store any leftover galettes in an airtight container at room temperature, where they will remain fresh for several days, deliciously bridging the gap between meals or adding a touch of Périgord glory to your breakfast table.