Cooking with Mom, Thoughts about a New Year and a Crispy Mushroom, Potato and Blue Cheese Galette

I cannot believe that this year will be coming to an end tomorrow. I was trying to make sense of everything that happened throughout the months and even though there was some bad in there, mostly health related, I would say 2009 was full of exciting projects, creativity, inspiration and time with family. I have always had difficulty balancing the time I spend on myself and the time I give to those around me, but I think this was the year that I managed to do that. I think I can say this year was that, the year of balance.

Now, I am thinking about the upcoming year and all the projects I want to start and all the travel I want to do, but mostly, I have decided this will be the year that I let go of some of the anxiety and worry that comes with the unknown. I am just going to live a bit more.

So let me get to the dish in hand. I have been dying to tell you about these crispy mushroom, fingerling potato and blue cheese galettes that my mom and I baked last week. We started the day with coffee and talking about the mushroom quiche my aunt was planning to bake for Christmas Eve back home. It sounded so delicious and made me think of the herb pie dough I had in the freezer. “I am pulling it out and we are making tarts”, I told her.

We sauteed some shiitake, cremini, oyster and beech mushroom with garlic and herbs until they were crispy. We decided to add some blue cheese, but the best came when mom suggested we fry some fingerlings in olive oil and add them to the filling. That touch made this galette. We enjoyed it with a simple watercress and herb salad and let me tell you, it was delicious. Everything always tastes better when cooking with my mom.

So I hope you get to end the year with good food, surrounded by your loved ones, satisfied with what you have accomplished this year and with peace of mind. So here is to a new year where I plan to live more, worry less and continue doing what I love.

And of course, thank you for your constant support and coming back over and over to visit. This blog would not be the same without all of you. Thank you. I mean it.

Crispy Mushroom, Potato and Blue Cheese Galette

1 recipe herb pie dough
2 Tbs olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 oz oyster mushrooms, sliced
2 oz beech mushrooms
2 oz shiitake mushrooms, sliced
3 oz cremini mushrooms, sliced
2 Tbs rosemary
2 Tbs purple basil
1 Tbs thyme
salt and pepper
1/4 cup olive oil
6 oz fingerling potatoes, peeled and diced
1/2 oz blue cheese

In a large sautepan, heat olive oil and saute the garlic and mushrooms in medium heat until tender and slightly crispy. Lightly season with salt and pepper. Add the herbs and toss for a few seconds. Remove the pan from the heat and let the mushrooms cool.

In another sautepan, heat the 1/4 cup of olive oil and fry the potatoes until crispy. Transfer onto a paper towel and lightly season with salt and pepper. Let the potatoes cool.

Roll out the herb pie dough and cut into disks that are about 5-6″ in diameter. Place some of the cooled mushrooms and potatoes in the center on the disk. Add some crumbled blue cheese. Fold the edges of the pie dough over the filling. let the galettes harden in the refrigerator for about 20 minutes. This will allow the dough to keep its shape while baking.

Bake in a 425F oven for about 25-30 minutes until golden brown and the bottom of the galette is cooked.

Serve with a salad of watercress and herbs.


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84 Responses to “Cooking with Mom, Thoughts about a New Year and a Crispy Mushroom, Potato and Blue Cheese Galette”

  1. Jayme says:

    These sound delicious!

    Happy new year to you Aran!

  2. Dana says:

    I am such a huge fan of galettes. They seem so fancy but are so easy to work with. This is an amazing flavor combination!

  3. kate h. says:

    wow, wish I could come over ;)

  4. El says:

    Thank you for taking the time to leave this post during such a busy time of the year. You definitely have had an exciting and memorable year. It’s been pretty neat to follow you through everything that’s happened via this blog. I’m so thankful that I got to connect with you…I know I’ve said it before but I’ll say it again– in addition to everything else you’re a great teacher! After seeing the handy work of your mom I now know where you get your inspiration!

    The mushroom dish looks wonderful…here’s to a great, healthy, happy 2010! Peace!!!

  5. Kristin says:

    Yum! These sound so good! I love mushrooms and blue cheese together.
    Happy new year! All the best with your resolutions!

  6. Peter G says:

    Thank you for taking the time and energy to share your creativity with us Aran. All the best for 2010!

  7. Startup Wife says:

    I am salivating. That looks absolutely delicious. I’m moving right now (ugh), but when I’m set up in my new kitchen I’m going to make this.

    Happy New Year!

  8. Jackie says:

    Your pictures are absolutely stunning! I can’t wait to make this!!

  9. wow! what an amazingly beautiful post!
    where are those gorgeous utensils from!?
    j.

  10. Bron says:

    Delicious Aran, a very Happy New Year to you and your delightful family. xxx

  11. qwazymonkey says:

    Living life with no worries – that’s a good resolution. Btw, the Galette looks delightful!

  12. Wishing you and your family a happy and healthy 2010. It has been wonderful discovering your blog, and discovering you. You never cease to inspire me. For that, I must thank you for your generosity. Thank you very much for sharing.

  13. Trissa says:

    Dear Aran, I rarely leave comments on blogs like yours, but I do stop by with every post… really to get inspiration and to remind myself what a beautiful place this is. Your writing and photography are truly inspirational. Today, when I read about how you cooked with your mother, it reminded me of how my Mom is here on holiday and how I am so lucky to be able to cook with her and this is how we show each other our love. I just had to leave a comment to let you know – I KNOW HOW IT FEELS! We are truly lucky. Feliz Ano Nuevo. 2010!

  14. icicle says:

    Lovely. Oh how I envy you your southern light, especially at this time of year. Bonne Annee!

  15. Elizabeth says:

    I saw the photos of this on Flickr and wished I had some herb pie dough in the freezer so I could run home and whip up something tasty like this! It sounds dee-lish.

  16. Misty says:

    This looks wonderful: light and simple after all of the heavy foods over the holidays. And your photos are superb, as usual.

  17. An irresistible galette!

    Best wishes for 2010!

    Cheers,

    Rosa

  18. Y says:

    What happy looking food, Aran,.. just like everything else you have been sharing with us on Cannelle et Vanille. All the best to you and your family! I’m looking forward to what 2010 has to offer all of us :)

  19. I only recently began following your blog, and I’ve been impressed with your creative recipes and stunning photos. This looks like a wonderful warm and rustic dish.

    Happy New Year!

  20. Ivana says:

    feliz año! y espero seguir disfrutando de tus fotos y de tus maravillosas comiditas!
    besitos

  21. birsence says:

    Evinizden pasta,börek,çöreğin eksik olmadığı,kalbinizin tatlı anılarla dolacağı,sağlığınızın tam kıvamında olduğu,cebinizin tıkır tıkır para kaynadığı,neşenizin kulak memesi yumuşaklığında olduğu ,birseninmutfagi.com ‘u ziyaret etmediğiniz bir gününüzün bile geçmediği bir yıl diliyorum….

    Afiyetle kalın Birsence’de kalın…

  22. Ainhoa says:

    Zorionak eta Urte Berri On!!! Espero dot 2010 ean nahi dozun guztia lortzea. Musu bat.

  23. chocswirl says:

    I’ve been following your blog for a while now and I’m so inspired by your amazing love for food and your photography!

    Happy New Year!
    Robyn

  24. Danangib says:

    Wishing you and your family a very happy 2010 !!!

  25. shaz says:

    What great thoughts for the new year. Wishing you and your family the very best.

  26. Eva says:

    Happy New Year from Hungary!
    Éva

  27. Thanks always for the fresh, healthy and yammy shots :) All the best for the New Year!!

  28. Waverly says:

    Happy New Year and thank you for your inspired post. I have a surplus of mushrooms – I overbought for our Christmas dinner – your galette truly looks amazing.
    I love cooking with my mother too.

  29. Juliana says:

    Beautiful post! I wish you and your family a very happy and healthy new year.

  30. Kristi says:

    Aran,
    I always enjoy coming to your blog. Your images are amazing and I always leave feeling refreshed. Thank you for this! Have a wonderful New Year and I wish you a fabulous new year.

  31. happy new year aran ! so happy an honored to have been a part of 09 with you, and so happy to have made a new friend. cheers to another wonderful year – and of course i am drooling over the galette, mushrooms are my absolute favorite thing on earth

  32. Sari says:

    Wonderful post. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and photos with us. Wishing you a very happy 2010 Aran! :)

  33. Beautiful words and food. So glad you had that special time with your Mom. :-)

  34. Lauren says:

    How fabulous Aran. This next year is going to be phenomenal! Live to the fullest and have a fantastic year.

  35. Looks amazinggg… hope you all have a wonderful New Years!!

  36. veron says:

    This looks gorgeous! Aran, I wish you and your family a fantastic and healthy new year!

  37. Susan @ SGCC says:

    The galette looks wonderful! Happy New Year, Aran. I hope 2010 brings you much happiness and lots of delicious adventures!

  38. sweetakery says:

    Oh yumm! A deliciousm galette! Best wishes for 2010!

  39. Kitty M says:

    Wishing you and your family a wonderful new year Aran xxx

  40. Seanna Lea says:

    Happy New Year! Your tart sounds delicious. Food is the best way to celebrate the holidays.

  41. Jessica says:

    Your produce is beautiful. At the restaurant last night we roasted oyster mushrooms and fingerlings with duck fat, served them with short ribs and tenderloin, and finished it all with horseradish creme. It was definitely the most popular dish of the night. Kansas City loves their meat.
    A friend just moved back here from Florida, we are planning a trip this month to visit her town. I have a feeling I am going to fall in love with the people, the atmosphere, the music, the produce..
    I graduate in May from pastry school. I have no idea where my passion will take me from there. Maybe back to Florida to open my own place.
    My resolution is to live the rest of my years in balance. This year held an eye opening disaster. Too much time and care for others. I neglected and abused myself to the extreme. It took many health issues to make me realize what I was causing.

    I will also live more, worry less, and do what I love this year. Thank you for your passion and beauty!

    Jess

  42. Aran says:

    It is great to read about everyone’s wishes for the new year. Thank you for taking the time to read this blog and here’s to a peaceful, healthy and creative 2010!

  43. Just to tell you how I do appreciate your cooking recipes an
    d your so beautiful pictures … Have a nice and peaceful new year 2010
    See you
    Laura

  44. Thip says:

    Happy New Year to you and family, Aran.

  45. il ramaiolo says:

    Beautiful your photos!! Happy new year!! By BY

  46. Sugar Chef says:

    Happy New Year Aran!! Love your blog and that galette looks fab. Hope 2010 is good for us all.

  47. Beth says:

    Love your blog….everything looks so good and I enjoy your photos.
    Happy New Year!
    Beth

  48. Delie says:

    Dear Aran,
    I’ve posted on my blog your wish as the most inspiring for me for this 2010. Thank you!

  49. matt says:

    lovely looking galette. fabulous photos of course (as usual!)

    cheers to a great 2010, your blog is favorite of mine for food, writing and photography.

  50. shulie says:

    Cooking with mom, now that is something to cherish. Your photography is always gorgeous!! Happy New Year!

  51. Dylan says:

    Aran, just discovered your blog and am loving what I see! Your NYE meal looked fab, infact I would to get stuck into it now after getting in from the blizzard outside.

    I am looking forward to returning here to see what you have been upto throughout 2010 and beyond.

    Dylan

    http://fromcooktotrainedchefandbeyond.blogspot.com/

  52. Your galette looks so good, Aran! Moms always make cooking much better, right? Wish you and your family a fab 2010!

  53. Mamatkamal says:

    I love your galette. Stunning pictures!
    Happy New Year.

  54. James B says:

    Happy New Year!! They look great, and I am always in huge admiration of your photography. I always enjoy your new posts, if not just to see the stunning photos – some of, if not the, best food photography I have ever seen.

  55. Jen Yu says:

    Happy new year to you and your family, Aran. A savory galette is so appealing to me :) This one is lovely. I hope you have a wonderful 2010 and that at some point, we get to meet! All the best to you.

  56. Barbara says:

    It’s such fun to cook with our moms. They have the best ideas! Your galette looks divine..super idea to add the potatoes.
    Happy New Year, Aran!

  57. unhagalega says:

    Aran gracias por tu blog! No sólo cocinas cosas deliciosas, sino que además nos las presentas en esas fotos tan “sexies”…y además me gusta lo que escribes! Tu blog me pone contenta…Los mejores regalos que me han hecho en mi vida tienen que ver con gente cocinando para mí…Muchas gracias porque imagino todo el trabajo y cuidado que hay detrás de este blog! Feliz año!!!

  58. Dajda says:

    No, thank YOU! Thank you for the year with your perfect photos and beautiful cooking and interesting posts. I’m looking forward to reading some more this year!

  59. wendy says:

    Sounds like a wonderful combination!!

  60. fresh365 says:

    This looks amazing and I will definitely try it with the herb crust. I am finally getting the hang of dough!

  61. Dear Aran, have wonderful next 362 days! If you spare time, there is a Sunshine Award waiting for you on my blog.

  62. Your galette looks and sounds amazing! Happy 2010!

  63. that sounds like a great new year’s resolution.
    good luck!

  64. Valérie says:

    Happy new year Aran ! I plan on doing absolutely the same : “live more, worry less and continue doing what I love” ! Thank you for your inspiration and your wonderful recipes !!!

  65. Mimi says:

    Thanks for the wonderful recipes and the beautiful photography. Your blog always takes my breath away. I am looking forward to what you bring to 2010.
    Happy New Year!
    Mimi

  66. I really like your photos! You capture them well! I have been very happy that I found your blog! This has helped me make my Christmas dinner!

  67. Sini says:

    I’m a new reader of your blog and I must say I really love it! Beautiful pictures, lovely design, heart-warming posts and I’m sure the recipes are delicious too! Have to try some soon.

    I wish you and your family all the luck for 2010!

  68. Guinnah says:

    These are really lovely (and so is the sentiment of this post).

  69. idu says:

    Urte berri on!
    Urte berrian aurrekoan bezain errezeta eta argazki ederrak jartzen segi dezazula, eta Oso oso zoriontsu izan zaitezela

  70. Cooking Girl says:

    A mon tour de te souhaiter une tres belle et heureuse annee!!
    All the best for u and your beautyfull family!!
    Best Regards.

  71. LAPIZLAZ says:

    Beautiful photos andvery realites!!!!!!!!
    I like the colours composition!!!!!!!!!!!
    : D

  72. Jennifer J says:

    Happy 2010! Your resolution is admirable and I believe you’re off to a fine start. Luckily, I have on hand most of the ingredients for this recipe. I’ve been hoping to try my hand at galettes for awhile now. Thanks for this spot of encouragement.

  73. my spatula says:

    live more, worry less. that will be my mantra for 2010. happy new year, aran!!

  74. It was literally yesterday that I said to myself, I want to make a gallette. You and your photos have inspired me.

  75. Happy New year Aran to you and your growing family! Precious times, eh? It will be a wonderful journey this year! May it be happy and peaceful.

  76. Katherine says:

    That galette looks amazing. I so wish my husband would eat mushrooms!

  77. Ashley says:

    This is truly a thing of beauty! What a fabulous post – I’m in love with your photography! :)

  78. Lisa says:

    galettes are so elegant!

  79. kanishk says:

    This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

  80. jackson says:

    Happy belated New Year!

    I made this last weekend, and it was really, really good and addictive. The crust is really the best crust I’ve ever made – I think I may have to adapt it for pies in the future. And the filling is really good – the potatoes were a great idea. Thank you.

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