Hi friends!
Another beautiful Saturday out here in the city – sunny but cold. Karl is nowhere to be seen today – I wanted to go out to the beach again, but had to be home midafternoon for a computer dropoff so I settled for a long walk along the Marina and through the Presidio, along Lover’s Lane (mostly because I love the name).
I did get out to Ocean Beach a few times last week though, once to catch the sunset – I really couldn’t live anywhere else. The pull of the ocean is too strong – I get twitchy if I’m too far inland.
In other news, made yet another galette this weekend – I know, I know, try to contain your astonishment. This is a bit new though, as I layered lemon curd in the bottom of it – I’ve never tried that before but it’s definitely a winning proposition. Blood oranges are in season now out here too, so I’m trying to take full advantage. I love the ombre effect you get when you cut into them – so pretty! Like nature’s stained glass.
This galette is refined sugar free and whole grain – the crust could easily be swapped out for a grain/gluten/dairy free/vegan version if needed. The whole thing is very minimally sweetened – I like citrus things to actually be tart, you know? Usually lemon curd has a whole boatload of sugar in it but we know that’s not how I roll. This version uses only a couple tablespoons of maple; if you’re skeptical about maple + lemon, don’t worry! The lemon is really the only thing you taste.
Happy weekend, internet friends! I hope you spent some time in nature this weekend, no matter where in the world you are :)
Blood Orange & Meyer Lemon Curd Galette
Refined sugar free & whole grain – this galette is minimally sweetened with maple, and for those who like their citrus as nature intended: tart! The lemon curd can be made up to a week in advance if you want to cut down on prep time – it keeps really well in the fridge and can even be frozen (use a snapware or something that seals really well). A Wait are those Cookies original. Yield: 1 galette; serves several.
For the crust:
1 c whole wheat flour
1/2 c cornmeal
1/2 tsp sea salt
4oz/1 stick of unsalted butter, cubed
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp almond extract
2-3 tbsp ice water
In a food processor, pulse together whole wheat flour, cornmeal, sea salt. Add in cubed butter and pulse until it resembled coarse sand. Add vanilla & almond extract, and then the ice water. I typically add three tbsp water, pulse a few times, then add more if need be, 1tbsp at a time, stopping just when the dough starts to come together. Turn it out onto a board and knead it into a ball. I like to roll it immediately since it’s most pliable – typically I haven’t had trouble with this dough sticking or cracking if rolled immediately. I roll it between two sheets of parchment paper and use the bottom one to bake the galette on; makes an easy transferral method between cookie sheet & cooling rack. If you’re not rolling immediately, stick it in the fridge on a plate. Can be made ahead the night before if need be.
Maple Lemon Curd:
3 whole eggs
2 egg yolks
1/3 c meyer lemon juice
zest of 4 meyer lemons
pinch of sea salt
2 tbsp maple syrup
4 tbsp butter, unsalted
1 tsp vanilla
I used a double boiler for this lemon curd, which literally is a game changer. Highly recommended! Heat water in the bottom of the double boiler until it’s at a high simmer. In the top of the double boiler, whisk together eggs, egg yolks, lemon zest and juice, sea salt, and maple syrup. Add in the butter one tbsp at a time, whisking continuously, not adding the next tbsp until the first is completely melted. Whisk in vanilla. Cook, stirring constantly, until the lemon curd thickens and will coat the back of a spoon (or your whisk leaves tracks) – usually around 5 to 8 minutes. It’s a noticeable change when it happens, so just watch the cooking magic! Remove from heat, and strain through a metal strainer to remove zest. Store in a glass container in the fridge until ready for use – can be made up to a week ahead.
For the fruit:
4 blood oranges, peeled & sliced
a few dabs of butter & splash of milk or half and half
Preheat the oven to 425. Roll out the dough between two pieces of parchment paper until it’s about 1/4″ thick. Spread the lemon curd over the middle of the dough, leaving a 1″ border, then pile on the sliced oranges. Fold up the sides of the dough over the fruit. Brush the dough with an milk or half and half. Dot fruit with butter if you like, though it’s not strictly necessary. Pop in the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, until the crust is lightly browned. Remove to a cooling rack and let cool completely before slicing and serving. Store leftovers in the fridge overnight – it’s great for breakfast :)
Wait...are those...cookies?! 