One of my favorite things to do each summer is to visit the local farmers markets. I’m a new apartment renter in Pittsburgh. Being in a large city, I could go to a different market every day of the week if I choose. Coming from a small town with limited access to shopping, having so many options is a dream come true.
Although the markets are stocked with a variety of tempting goodies, I’ve not been able to resist the selection of fresh peaches, plums, and nectarines. Knowing that their season is short, I’ve been picking up a few each visit.
Instead of just slicing them and enjoying them as I snack, I decided to put them to work in an easy and rustic pastry: Farmers Market Peach and Almond Crostata.
If you’re new to baking, don’t let the title intimidate you. A crostata is similar to a pie but much more forgiving and way less fancy. And you don’t need a pie pan. You just fold over the edges of the pastry to trap whatever filling you decide to use. In this recipe, we’re using almonds and peaches.
To start, you will need pie dough. I’ve linked to my go-to recipe below. Pie dough can be a bit tricky to make at first, but once you understand how the dough should feel, you’ll be good to go. (I like homemade, but you can use store-bought if you prefer.)
First, I rolled the dough out into a circle and placed it on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Next, I sprinkled the crust with a mixture of ground almonds, sugar, lemon zest, and egg yolk. When making a crostata, I find it best to layer something (even plain flour) on the dough to help absorb some of the juice from the filling. This keeps the crust from getting soggy. For this recipe, I used ground almonds because they add a flavorful crunch.
Then, I added sliced peaches mixed with sugar. For the final step, the dough is simply folded over to hold in all of that sun-ripened summer fruit flavor. This is the part I love the most about a crostata. It’s supposed to look rustic and imperfect.
After a visit to the oven and some time to cool on the counter, your Farmers Market Peach and Almond Crostata is ready to enjoy!
Farmers Market Peach and Almond Crostata
Serves 8
[ultimate-recipe id=”69230″ template=”default”]
[tweetthis]This peach and almond crostata is ideal for those #farmersmarket finds! #shoplocal #eatfresh[/tweetthis]
As I told you, it’s not complicated. It truly is the perfect dessert for summer and a delicious way to enjoy fruit from the market. Yes, you can use whatever fruit you like best: berries, apples, other stone fruit. They all work beautifully.
Oh, and if you really want to treat yourself, top your piece of crostata with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. You can’t go wrong.
Do you have farmers markets near your apartment? Be sure to check out the 9 best things you can buy on your next trip.