Ginger Pear Galette

This is a recipe I found a while back and have been meaning to make. Perhaps this week will be a good time for me and maybe for you.

Autumn is just around the corner for some of my "northern" friends.

Ginger Pear Galette

Makes 8 servings

1/2 of a 17.5 ounce package (1 sheet) frozen puff pastry
1 slightly beaten egg white
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon finely chopped crystallized ginger
1 teaspoon finely shredded lemon peel
2 tablespoons butter
3 large pears, halved, cored, peeled and thinly sliced
Whipped cream (optional)
Crystallized ginger (optional)

Thaw puff pastry according to package directions. On a lightly floured surface, roll out pastry to a 14x11-inch rectangle. Trim to a 12x10-inch rectangle. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Prick pastry with a fork. Build up the sides slightly by folding in about 1/2 inch of pastry on edges. Brush edges with egg white. Crimp or decorate edges with cutouts from pastry trimmings. Brush again with egg white.

In a small mixing bowl stir together flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, 1 tablespoon ginger, and lemon peel. Cut in margarine or butter until pieces are the size of small peas. Sprinkle half of the ginger mixture over pastry. Arrange pear slices on top, overlapping slightly. Sprinkle with the remaining ginger mixture.

Bake, uncovered, in a 400 degree F oven for 18 to 20 minutes or until pastry is golden and pears are tender. Serve warm. If desired, top each serving with whipped cream and additional crystallized ginger.