Plum Galette

Since I've been back from Europe, I have been "experiencing" a different type life. In simple terms, I am recently graduated, recently homeless, and jobless. Sounds a little depressing right? And believe me, at first it was easy to go that route of thought. I've decided to see this as another one of my life experiences. Just as I experienced college, and traveling. I like to think I am now in my ambitious state of experience. Everyday I eagerly search for PR jobs, and internships, applying all over the country. I am the type of person that enjoys controlled chaos. Being busy helps me keep my sanity. At the moment, I have few responsibilities.. sounds like a dream right? And in most cases it is. I'm lucky to have people in my life that continually support and love me. Everywhere I turn, I am blessed. I am a firm believer that everything happens with time; patients is a virtue. Also,I have trouble being patient most of the time... this makes it hard to stay optimistic with my firm beliefs. As one of my yoga teachers once told me, positive affirmation- Everything always works out for me. I repeat this daily in hopes that my hard work sending out continuous resumes and cover letters is going to pay off. And I know, in time, i will have exactly that is meant for me to have.

In the meantime... I will continue to apply, spend time with my amazing boyfriend, friends, family.. and of course, cook and bake!

With the summer season still current, I couldn't help but to

bake something with fresh fruit. Luckily, I am temporarily living in a baker's haven. Right o

utside I am greeted with berries, and fruits of all kinds. I decided to bake a plum and almond Galette (GAL-ET).

With the help of my loyal friend http://www.tastespotting.com/, I combined a few ideas, to create one masterpiece.

Baking Inspiration tunes: Brad Paisley's Pandora

1 1/4 C of All purpose flour

1/2 very cold unsalted butter

1/4 C sugar

1/2 teaspoon salt

3-5 tablespoons of ice water

1/4 C sliced roasted almonds

6-7 plums, halved and pitted

2 teaspoons of lemon juice, or zest half a lemon

1 egg white

1-2 teaspoon light brown sugar

Combine 1 1/4 cups flour, butter, 1/2 tsp sugar and salt. Mix until mixture resembles coarse meal. Add ice water, 1 tbsp at a time. Mix until dough is crumbly, but hold together when squeezed. Remove dough, make into ball and place in plastic wrap for one hour.Meanwhile, roast sliced almonds in at 350 for 20 minutes, or until golden.

While the oven is heated, toss

plums with 1/4 C sugar, 1tbsp flour, and lemon juice, or lemon zest. Add sugar for desired sweetness. On a lightly floured surface, roll

out dough about 13-14 inches round and about 1/4 inches thick. Apply to parchment paper, cookie sheet or pizza stone works best (something without sides). Spread roasted almonds leaving a 2 inch border. Layer plums on top of almond mixture, and fold sides of dough, making pleats over fruit. Refrigerate for 20 minutes.Brush egg white mixture over dough edges, and sprinkle brown sugar over fruit. Bake until crust is golden and underneath is cooked through, for about 70 minutes. Allow to cool completely before slicing, (pair warm with vanilla ice cream, yum!).