There is nothing like having good friends over for some delicious food and great conversation. Life often gets super chaotic, with everyone going a million miles an hour that its easy to forget to take time for yourself and those you love the most. My family, especially my grandma installed a love for baking in me from a very young age. One of my fondest memories is making biscotti at my grandmas house. The tradition of making many different types of cookies for the holidays and giving them to friends and family in cute christmas tins has been passed onto me and my aunt has assigned me the official role of holiday cookie baker.

Family, Food and Friends. Doesn’t get much better than that. 

As Palisade peaches are in season and very delicious, I found an amazing recipe through Food & Wine magazine for a peach crostata. It is very simple, delicious and everyone loves it.

As my grandma and aunt always taught me, the secret to most baked goods is in the crust.

The baked good in the oven and 40 minutes later it transforms into the ultimate summer/fall dessert!

Let me know how your version goes! I also considered putting apples and pears in the tart. It is super versatile and easily altered.

-Kaila

INGREDIENTS

• 1 1/2 cups plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• Salt
• 6 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
• 1/4 cup ice water
• 5 peaches (2 pounds)—halved, pitted and sliced 1/2 inch thick
• 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons dark brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• Pinch of cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons turbinado or other coarse sugar

INSTRUCTIONS

1. In a food processor, pulse 1 1/2 cups of the flour with the granulated sugar and 1/2 teaspoon of salt until blended. Add the butter and pulse until it is the size of peas. Add the water and pulse until the dough is evenly moistened. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured work surface and pat it into a disk. Cover the disk with plastic wrap and refrigerate until chilled, about 30 minutes. 
2. Preheat the oven to 425°. In a medium bowl, toss the peaches with the brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, a pinch of salt and the remaining 2 tablespoons of flour. 
3. On a lightly floured work surface, roll out the dough to a 12-inch round. Transfer the dough to a parchment-lined rimmed baking sheet. Mound the peaches with their juices in the center of the dough, leaving a 2-inch border all around. Fold the edge of the dough up and over the peaches. Refrigerate the tart until chilled, about 30 minutes. 
4. Brush the dough with the cream and sprinkle with the turbinado sugar. Bake for about 50 minutes, until the crust is golden and the peaches are bubbling. Let cool for 15 minutes before serving.