Get our latest home & garden tips! Subscribe to our newsletter — it's fast and free!

Better Homes & Harvests
•
Autumn's Crown Jewel: Heirloom Apple Galette wi...
Recipes

Autumn's Crown Jewel: Heirloom Apple Galette with Rye Crust and a Zero-Waste Apple Cider Vinegar Bonus

The air is crisp, carrying the scent of woodsmoke from the cider press and the sweet perfume of a thousand ripe apples. Children shriek with laughter as they bob for apples, their rosy cheeks mirroring the vibrant hues of the autumn foliage. The annual apple harvest festival is in full swing, a testament to the community’s dedication to sustainable living and celebrating the season’s bounty. As the days shorten and the air turns crisp, what better way to celebrate the season than with a rustic Heirloom Apple Galette, its flaky rye crust embracing the sweet-tart flavors of autumn’s best? And the best part? Even the scraps contribute, transforming into homemade apple cider vinegar!

A rustic, sun-drenched Heirloom Apple Galette with Rye Crust and Maple-Walnut Crumble sits on a weathered wooden table at an outdoor autumn apple harvest festival. Golden light filters through the apple trees in the background, creating a warm atmosphere.

A Taste of History: Heirloom Apple Varieties

Heirloom apples are more than just fruit; they're a link to our past, each variety carrying a unique story and a distinct flavor profile shaped by generations of careful cultivation. Unlike commercially grown apples bred for uniformity and shelf life, heirloom varieties boast complex flavors and textures that reflect their terroir. Sourcing heirloom apples from local orchards or even growing your own in a backyard orchard is a rewarding way to connect with nature and rediscover the true taste of autumn.

For this galette, we’re using a blend of three exceptional heirloom varieties:

  • Roxbury Russet: Known for its nutty, almost cider-like flavor and slightly coarse texture, the Roxbury Russet adds depth and complexity to the galette filling.
  • Northern Spy: This tart and juicy apple provides a bright counterpoint to the sweetness of the other varieties, ensuring a balanced and refreshing flavor.
  • Calville Blanc d'Hiver: Aromatic and slightly sweet, the Calville Blanc d'Hiver contributes a delicate floral note and a melt-in-your-mouth texture.

A crate of freshly harvested heirloom apples, including Roxbury Russet, Northern Spy, and Calville Blanc d'Hiver. The apples are displayed in a rustic wooden crate with autumn leaves scattered around them, highlighting their natural beauty.

The Secret to a Flaky Rye Crust

The crust is just as important as the filling! A rustic rye crust adds a nutty, earthy flavor that complements the sweetness of the apples and provides a delightful textural contrast.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • ¾ cup rye flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
  • ½ cup ice water

Instructions:

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, rye flour, salt, and sugar.
  2. Add the cold butter cubes to the flour mixture. Using a pastry blender or your fingertips, cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces of butter remaining.
  3. Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overmix.
  4. Form the dough into a disc, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.

The key is keeping everything COLD! Work quickly to incorporate the butter into the flour until you have pea-sized pieces. This creates layers of butter that steam in the oven, resulting in a beautifully flaky crust. Rye dough can be a bit sticky, so don't be afraid to add a little extra flour when rolling it out.

A close-up shot of the rye crust dough being made, showing the butter being incorporated into the flour with a pastry blender. Ice water is being poured into the bowl, emphasizing the importance of cold ingredients.

Maple-Walnut Crumble: A Touch of Decadence

A generous maple-walnut crumble adds a touch of sweetness, texture, and nutty goodness to the galette.

Ingredients:

  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup rolled oats
  • ¼ cup maple syrup
  • 6 tablespoons melted butter
  • ½ cup chopped walnuts
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions:

  1. Combine all ingredients in a bowl and use your fingers to create a coarse crumble.
  2. The maple syrup adds a touch of sweetness and a beautiful caramelized flavor when baked.

The maple-walnut crumble topping being prepared in a bowl. Melted butter is being drizzled over the mixture of flour, oats, maple syrup, and walnuts, highlighting the coarse texture and natural ingredients.

Assembling the Galette

Time to bring it all together!

Ingredients:

  • Rye crust dough (from above)
  • 4-5 medium heirloom apples (Roxbury Russet, Northern Spy, Calville Blanc d'Hiver), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons butter, cut into small pieces
  • Maple-walnut crumble (from above)
  • 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash, optional)
  • Turbinado sugar, for sprinkling (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough into a 12-inch circle.
  3. Transfer the dough to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  4. Arrange the apple slices in a circular pattern, overlapping slightly, leaving a 2-inch border around the edge.
  5. Dot the apples with small pieces of butter.
  6. Sprinkle the maple-walnut crumble evenly over the apples.
  7. Fold the edges of the dough over the filling, pleating as you go.
  8. Brush the crust with egg wash (optional) and sprinkle with turbinado sugar (optional).
  9. Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
  10. Let cool slightly before slicing and serving.

The Heirloom Apple Galette being assembled. Apple slices are arranged in a circular pattern on the rye crust, leaving a border. The maple-walnut crumble is being sprinkled over the apples, ready for baking.

Watch for a golden-brown crust and a bubbly filling – that's when you know your galette is ready. A slightly imperfect shape only adds to its rustic charm!

A freshly baked Heirloom Apple Galette with Rye Crust and Maple-Walnut Crumble, cooling on a wire rack. The crust is golden brown and flaky, and the filling is bubbly and caramelized.

Zero-Waste Homesteading: Homemade Apple Cider Vinegar

Don't toss those apple cores and peels! They're packed with flavor and can be transformed into delicious, probiotic-rich apple cider vinegar. This is a fantastic way to practice zero-waste homesteading and utilize every part of your harvest.

Ingredients:

  • Apple cores and peels from about 6-8 apples
  • 4 cups filtered water
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar

Instructions:

  1. Place the apple cores and peels in a clean glass jar.
  2. Dissolve the sugar in the water and pour it over the apple scraps, ensuring they are completely submerged.
  3. Cover the jar with cheesecloth secured with a rubber band. This allows air to circulate while keeping out fruit flies.
  4. Place the jar in a dark, room-temperature location for 2-3 weeks, or until the liquid becomes cloudy and smells like vinegar. Stir the mixture every few days.
  5. Once the vinegar has developed, strain out the apple scraps using a cheesecloth-lined strainer.
  6. Pour the vinegar into a clean jar and store it in a cool, dark place.

Simply combine your apple scraps with water and a bit of sugar, cover with cheesecloth, and let the magic happen! In a few weeks, you'll have a tangy, homemade vinegar perfect for salad dressings, marinades, and even cleaning solutions.

Apple scraps (cores and peels) fermenting in a glass jar covered with cheesecloth. The amber liquid and apple pieces are visible, showing the fermentation process.

The fermentation process might take a little longer depending on your environment. Look for small bubbles and a slightly sour, vinegary smell – that's a good sign! You can even use your homemade apple cider vinegar to make a natural cleaner for your home.

A bottle of homemade apple cider vinegar with a label, sitting on a countertop next to a glass jar of fermenting apple scraps. The finished vinegar is clear and amber-colored, ready for use.

Closing Reflection

This galette is more than just a dessert; it's a celebration of autumn's bounty and a testament to the resourcefulness of homesteading. The combination of sweet apples, nutty rye crust, and zero-waste apple cider vinegar reflects the values of Better Homes and Harvests: embracing seasonal flavors, practicing sustainability, and creating delicious, home-cooked meals the whole family will love. We hope you enjoy this taste of history as much as we do. Share your own apple baking adventures in the comments below!

A slice of Heirloom Apple Galette with Rye Crust and Maple-Walnut Crumble on a plate, with a fork. The layers of crust, apples, and crumble are clearly visible, showcasing the textures and flavors.

And if you’re looking for other ways to celebrate the season, why not try this recipe for a festive cranberry sauce? Happy baking and happy harvesting!

A cozy autumn scene with a table set for a fall harvest meal. The table is adorned with autumn leaves, pumpkins, and a plate of apple galette, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Keywords: organic gardening, seasonal harvest, homegrown, compost, sustainable home, cozy living, backyard projects, farmhouse life, heirloom apples, rye flour, apple cider vinegar, zero waste

SEO KEYWORDS:
Heirloom Apple Galette Recipe, Rye Crust Apple Galette, Apple Galette with Maple-Walnut Crumble, Homemade Apple Cider Vinegar Recipe, Best Apples for Galette Baking, Rye Flour Baking Recipes, Maple-Walnut Crumble Recipe, Zero Waste Apple Cider Vinegar, Homemade Galette Recipe Easy, Autumn Apple Dessert Recipes, Roxbury Russet Apple Recipes, Heirloom Apple Galette with Rye Crust and Maple-Walnut Crumble, Easy Apple Galette Recipe with Homemade Rye Crust, Best Apple Galette Recipe for Roxbury Russet Apples, How to Make Apple Cider Vinegar from Apple Scraps, Zero Waste Apple Recipe: Galette and Vinegar, Apple Galette with Rye Crust No Refined Sugar, Homemade Apple Galette with Rye Crust Recipe Step-by-Step, Apple Cider Vinegar Recipe for Homesteading, Autumn Dessert Recipe Heirloom Apples, Maple Walnut Crumble Topping for Apple Galette Recipe, Gluten Reduced Heirloom Apple Galette with Rye Crust, Simple Heirloom Apple Galette Recipe Beginners, Homesteading Recipes, Seasonal Baking, Autumn Harvest Recipes, Sustainable Living, Farm to Table Dessert, Heirloom Varieties, Apple Preservation, Fruit Dessert Recipes, What are the best apples to use in an apple galette?, How do I make apple cider vinegar from apple scraps?, Can I substitute regular flour for rye flour in a galette crust?, How do I store an apple galette to keep it fresh?, What is the difference between a galette and a pie?

Related Topics

bhh auto-generated autumn crown jewel