Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Put the blue cheese into a bowl and lightly crush or mash it. Add the whisked egg whites and the creme fraiche.
  2. Add salt and black pepper to taste and mix it to a coarse paste.
  3. Set aside and then chill it.
  4. Roll out the pre-prepared shortcrust or puff pastry. Using a plain or fluted 5" cutter, cut out four circles.
  5. Put them on a lightly greased baking sheet and prick them all over with a fork.
  6. Carefully spread the chilled blue cheese mixture all over them, leaving a border of about 1/2" to 3/4".Then sprinkle them with the finely chopped fresh rosemary leaves & store in the fridge.
  7. Pre-heat the oven to 220C/400F/Gas 6.
  8. Melt the butter in a shallow large pan & then add the pear slices, and about 3-4 tablespoons of water.
  9. Cook gently for about 6-8 minutes until the pears are tender but still holding their shape. Allow to cool.
  10. Arrange the pears over the chilled galettes in neatly overlapping circles and brush with a little melted butter.
  11. Sprinkle over the cumin seeds and a few extra rosemary leaves, season with salt and pepper and bring the edges of the pastry up and over the edge of the pears, to form a loose crust.
  12. Brush the tops of the galettes & the pastry with the beaten egg yolks & milk mixture.
  13. Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
  14. Cool the galettes slightly before serving with salads, pickles or chutney.