In my lap, my cat purrs and rubs her head beneath my forearm as I type. Her long gray fur occasionally floats in front of my bright computer screen, and her rough tongue licks my thumb, perhaps tasting the curried chicken we ate just a few hours before.
To be honest, her attention frustrates me. I’m tired, touched-out, and eager for a little “me time” once my daughter finally goes down for the night. I push her off, but she returns. Again and again, she comes back and jumps into my lap.
We found Cricket shortly after my oldest sister died. Three years ago, this scrawny gray cat jumped into my lap for the very first time as Ryan and I sat on a park bench, mourning things we didn’t have the words to explain or understand. We named her Cricket, but her presence in our life was anything but a lucky happenstance. I needed that cat. And someone knew it. I needed to feel her rub up against me while I grieved my sister’s death, while I grappled with infertility, while I hoped and prayed our baby would be all right. She was a gift from God…and she still is.
Because often, once the storm passes, it’s easy to forget the people who cared and the habits you formed and the prayers you prayed. It’s easy to forget how desperately you needed that little gray cat on that hot May day. I’m busy right now, and our lives are full of love, and growth, and laughter. We are in this beautiful city, with our beautiful family, and I’m doing the things I truly love. And yet…I’m still human, and broken, and in need of the non-judging affection of a creature like Cricket. In fact, I’d argue that we all do.
How this relates to a peach galette, I don’t exactly know. But I do know that we enjoyed this end-of-summer tart on Friday night with new friends…with people I’m excited to journey life with. I do know that making this tart was the only way I could have ended a busy and full week. Slicing the peaches, crumbling the butter into the flour, and sprinkling the crust with sugar….all of it was good for my soul. Just like Cricket, who has now decided there’s bigger and better things to do in our living room.
Summer Peach Galette
1 disc all-butter pie dough
5-6 peaches, slightly firm, peeled and sliced
1/2 cup coconut sugar
3 tablespoons flour
2 tablespoons cream
Coarse sugar, for sprinkling
Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Set aside. In a medium bowl, gently fold sugar and flour into sliced peaches.
On a lightly floured work surface, roll disc of pie dough into a 12-inch round. Gently arrange peach slices in the middle of dough. Allow 2-3 inches of border. Gently fold edge of pie dough over the edge of peach slices. Brush crust with cream and sprinkle with sugar.
Bake in preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, until crust turns a light golden brown and the juices from the peaches are bubbling.
I just said to myself earlier that I’m going to make one of these and then I see yours. 🙂 Nicely done!
http://www.prettybitchescancooktoo.com
What a beautiful post! That pie sounds delicious and the pictures are beautiful.
Beautiful words about Cricket and your sister, and this galette looks as tasty as it is lovely!
I know exactly what you mean. My cat came to me at the exact time I needed her most, too. 🙂
Monet,
Your words are eloquent and touch my heart as I read them everytime. I remember reading about Cricket, when you first found the cat., such a blessing for you and Ryan then. Now your life is full of sunshine and Lucy, and life, and Cricket.
What a lovely post. Fortunately in life, as you already know, sadness gets balanced out with happiness. And the happiness of a baby is infinite. Love your peach galette. Glad it isn’t pumpkin. It’s still summer, people!!!
Beautifully written, Monet, and I think we can all benefit from the unconditional love that animals give! This galette looks fabulous, and I’ll be so sorry to say goodbye to peaches until next year!
beautiful in so many ways!
Beautiful post Monet, and a beautiful galette. 🙂
Sweet Monet,
Just sat here and caught up a little. I think pets provide the unconditional that we didn’t even know was missing. I’m glad life is humming along and that all of you are building such beautiful memories, one day you will look back and do nothing but smile. Take it easy on yourself sweetie, you are doing an amazing job.
-Gina-
You always have such a way with words, Monet. I can say that my sweet puppy Abby played a large part in saving my sanity. I was dealing with anxiety and depression about two years ago. I’d come home from work in the foulest mood and would spend the evening crying, raging, and then silent. I wouldn’t reach out to anyone. Nothing could change the way I felt. Everything seemed doomed and hopeless. It was my husband’s idea to get a dog and while it was rough at first, she’s a god-send. I don’t think I’ve had many dark nights since we brought her home. There’s just something about unconditional love and a happy wagging tail to put you in the right mood. I’m glad that Cricket came to you at just the right time and yes, we all need to remind ourselves not to take the happy things for granted. I love this peach galette – that looks like summertime on a plate!
its amazing how people/pets/events happen in your life at the right time…..
and this peach looks like such a beauty.
You have such a special way with words. Your story brought tears to my eyes and sniffles to my nose. Thank you for sharing your beautiful soul-filled stories, and delicious food.
Lovely, lovely post. It’s so easy to get caught up in the business of life and forget how very lucky we are. You have a beautiful family, cat included. 🙂 One of the things I love most about cooking is that it forces me to slow down a little. This tart seems perfect for that.
What a gorgeous galette with the last of the tasty summer peaches!
What a touching post. 🙂 And a gorgeous galette
Super impressive! I have never made one of these galettes before but I think they are so beautiful!
love your peach galette! very homey and rustic!
‘touched-out’ what a great expression. you’re so right about our ease in forgetting bridges over painful waters and the importance of making space even on tougher days. love the image of cricket & lulu. beautiful post.
I relate to this post so much. Not because of a cat, but because of a sweet little shelter dog that fell into my lap at the worst time in my life, and changed it for the better. I can’t imagine life without my little furry dude.
Beautiful post, and this galette looks incredible!
Oh my goodness can I relate to your cat story. My cat, Tobias, was my baby before kids. Now he wants affection at the end of the day when I just want to sit and not be touched. My poor neglected kitten.
My cat used to do the same lap snuggles thing when I’d get home from school and was attempting to do homework. I miss those snuggles now!
Beautiful words dear Monet. I love my cats and I can’t imagine my life without them. They’re so sweet and loving especially when I have problems. I love the picture with Lucy and Cricket.
You are such a beautiful writer Monet. Truly – what an incredible post. I loved reading it – and am off now to go snuggle with my sweet little beagle 🙂
And a gorgeous galette too!
Dear Monet, you certainly wrote another very special post, dear friend – I am in awe of your writing talents – maybe I should take a writing class from you…(if I lived closer, I know that I would register for one of your classes, for sure) and the pictures are so special. Love them all. There is no way ever to have enough Galette recipes – yours looks like it showcases the best of the late summer peaches in the most delicious of ways.
Thank you for a beautiful post,
Andrea
What a beautiful post. Cricket sounds very special. And there is something very, very special about the “non judgmental affection” of a cat.
And also, the galette looks delicious!
I do not even know how I ended up here, but I thought this post
was good. I do not know who you are but certainly you’re going to a famous blogger if you aren’t already
😉 Cheers!
Yes! We are all human and broken and have good days and bad days. But that’s okay. Plus, this peach galette is bound to make any day better.
Beautiful post Monet!! the galette looks gorgeous! 🙂
What a beautiful post Monet. I hung on to every word you wrote – so touching.
And I love this peach galette, it looks gorgeous!
So beautiful, Monet. And I can definitely understand the power of the affection that pets can provide. When the shooting occurred at Sandy Hook elementary a few years ago, I came home, totally shaken, and I sat on my bed. Maki came into our room and looked up at me (probably wanting to go out for a walk). I got down on the floor and she leapt into my arms for a hug, at which point I burst into tears. It was so soothing and, in that moment, exactly what I needed.
Summer time is still here in this recipe! What a beauty! I just want to cut myself a big ol bite! 😉
Beautiful words, and such a beautiful galette! This makes me not want to let go of summer!