Galette Des Rois Aux Amandes (Three Kings Almond Tart)

FOR THE PASTRY:

2 Puff Pastry Sheets

FOR THE FILLING:

1 stick unsalted butter

1/2 cup caster (superfine) sugar

3 egg yolks

4 drops almond essence

3 tablespoons kirsch / Cherry water

1/2 cup freshly ground almonds (almond flour)

1 dried bean, gold ring or baby figurine

DIRECTIONS

Roll out the pastry on a floured board to about 1/4-inch thickness. Dot it with one-third of the remaining 4 ounces butter cut into dice. Fold the pastry into three, like a letter, then again into three in the opposite direction. Cover in a cloth and refrigerate for 20 minutes. Repeat this process twice more and leave for another 20 minutes chilling before using. If you can't face all that fun, buy 1 pound of puff pastry instead.


Divide the pastry in half. Roll each half into a round of about 9-inches in diameter and let rest while you make the filling.

Cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Whisk in 2 of the yolks, the almond essence, kirsch and the ground almonds. Work together until you have a smooth paste.

Rinse a sheet pan under cold water. Place one of the pastry rounds on the tray and spoon the paste onto it, leaving a 2-inch margin all around. Hide the bean or the other objects in the paste. Beat the remaining egg with a little water and paint the pastry margin. Place the second round of pastry on top and gently press edges together. Chill 45 minutes.

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Using a sharp knife make a lattice or star-shaped pattern on the pastry surface, but do not cut through to the filling. Pinch the edges prettily together. Paint the top with the egg wash. Bake the galette for 30 to 40 minutes until the pastry is crisp and brown. Transfer to a rack and cool. Dust with icing sugar.

When cool, serve with a gold crown on top (made with your own fair hands) and a glass of kirsch or some pudding wine. Eat and discover who will be king of the feast, then crown them!

Courtesy:  Two Fat Ladies

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