“Honey! Honeeeey!!!” I said waking Mr NQN shaking his arm urgently.
“Mmmppffhhh” he muttered still half asleep.
I climbed on top of him so that he could sense the urgency. “Honey, we need a ransom question, you know, just in case one of us is kidnapped!”
“Whaaat? Who was kidnapped?” he said slightly more awake and immensely more annoyed.
“I had a dream that you were kidnapped and I had to ask a ransom question but I didn’t know what to ask” my bottom lip turning out slightly, recalling the dream where only minutes before he had been snatched away from me and his ring finger with wedding ring had been sent to me. “So you see, we need to figure out ransom questions…” trailing off because I started to realise how unlikely it would be that either of us would be kidnapped.
“Oh you’re silly” he said giving me a hug nevertheless. “How about for the ransom question, we ask what your mother’s maiden name is?” he suggested.
“Don’t be silly, that’s like a bank I.D. question and that’s easy enough to find out!” I said.
“Well, what about your favourite fruit?” he then suggested.
Of course I couldn’t answer this question-there are far too many delicious fruits to count. And if anyone has read my blog, they’ll know that cherries feature highly up on the scale. To me, cherries are always reliably sweet, plump and juicy and I can eat bowls of them in one sitting. A few weeks ago I was lucky enough to be sent a 5 kilo box of them and a load of Lurpak butter and after downing down much of the cherries I decided to make a galette. I had originally seen the recipe in the new 10th birthday issue of Delicious magazine, the recipe by Valli Little. Sadly I wasn’t able to make it to their birthday party event as I was overseas but I figured that making something would be just as good. Trying to choose one item though was hard.
And whilst I really wanted to make the cake on the front, it looked like a bigger production than this simple, chic galette. I went to buy some strawberries only to find the store punnet-less. But cherries, well they would do me nicely along with some festive cranberries. If none of these fruit are in season for you, you can also do this with peaches, nectarines or any fruit really.
The dough is an absolute dream to work with-it is soft and pliable but not prone to breakage and it only needs half an hour of resting. And the flavour? Divine! The whole tart is very worth the small investment of time and the dough is tender, buttery and provides a rich foil to the sweet, plump fruit filling highlighted with lemon zest and vanilla.
I wasn’t done with Mr NQN though.
“OK but what if I am reincarnated as a cat? How can I signal to you that it’s actually me?” I asked, the train of thought still going around in my head.
“Do like you usually do, ask for massages and attention” he said.
So tell me Dear Reader, have you ever discussed ransom questions with your spouse? And what is your favourite fruit at the moment?
Cherry, Cranberry & Almond Christmas Wreath Galette
Adapted from delicious. magazine from a recipe by Valli Little
- 200g/7ozs chilled, unsalted butter, chopped
- a fat pinch of salt
- 2 cups plain flour
- 1/2 cup (120g) light sour cream (you can use full fat but light works too)
- 750g/ 1.5 pounds cherries
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 5 tablespoons cornflour or custard powder
- 1/2 cup caster sugar
- finely grated zest of 1 lemon
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 egg yolk, lightly beaten
- 2/3 cup (50g) flaked almonds
- Icing sugar to dust
- Extra light sour cream to serve
- You will also need a pie dish and some little Christmas bows to decorate (optional)
If you enjoyed this post, why not share it with your friends?
What is NQN up to now? 
NQN on Facebook
RSS
73 Comments | Add your own
This galette is absolutely stunning!!! Gorgeous and so festive! Oh you are so talented! And if you ever are kidnapped just don’t bake for them or they’ll never let you go! Cherries and cranberries.
It is so beautiful! A magnificent dessert.
Cheers,
Rosa
HAHAHA Lorraine you are so funny and cute!!! I had a good minute laugh about the ransom question and plan on asking Mr Bao the same question tomorrow morning
I’ve never thought about a ransom question hmmm…but it might be something like my favourite anime as a kid?
And right now in Hong Kong my favourite fruit would have to be bananas hahaha cuz they’re so cheap and sweet here
This is so beautiful Lorraine!
I love Lurpak butter
Beautiful! The ‘border’ is so pretty:)
What are those little red flowers? Are they special cooking decorations?
Omg that looks so good x
what a beautiful and festive dessert!
Gorgeous galette! Absolutely stunning. And a great story to go with it too! Very cute.
The ransom question: That’s just the sort of thing I might ask my husband, and he would just snort and give me a hug.
what a lovely festive and seasonal treat..you bake good girl..:)
That looks very festive and so pretty. Love the little flower details on the sides. I haven’t sorted out ransom questions either as I’ve had some vivid dreams but none where one of us is kidnapped.
What a gorgeous Galette! U have the best ideas. My fab fruit would be a mango. Mangos mean summer to me.
This is soooooooooooo gorgeous – perfect for the Christmas table.
Cherries. It’s all about the cherries at the moment. I loooove them.
This dessert looks gorgeous. I was already to make something peachy, but maybe it should be a cherry galette
This looks absolutely gorgeous and so festive! I’m loving cranberries at the moment too, although the fruit that makes me think of Christmas most has to be clementines.
What a stunningly pretty dessert. I think I’ll put this on the Christmas Eve menu. I’ve never discussed kidnapped questions with Mr Glam, but now I’m thinking I should! GG
Oh it’s so lovely; very festive too..!
Beautiful dessert. I didn’t know a ransom question existed. Who would ask who? I need to do some research.
Now I know what I’ll make for a Christmas dessert.
I love cherries too. Thinking about a trip to the Clare valley just to buy heaps for Christmas. I bought some lovely cherries from a grower in the Clare valley around New Year this year. They lasted in delicious shape for 2 weeks as they had been picked that day(kept in the fridge). Got lots to do so better hop to it.
Merry Christmas to you & your readers…
MAJOOOOR DROOOL!!!
Question Lorraine, can this keep for several days or will the crust go soggy?
Oh that looks just plain di-licious Lorraine. I love galettes and the combination of cherries, cranberries and almonds just scream Xmas! Love the sugar ponsiettas too.
Hey, did you know there’s a butter shortage in Norway at the moment? Bakeries are running low and they don’t know whether they’ll be able to meet the demand for cookies this Xmas. Disaster!!!
“Do like you usually do, ask for massages and attention” he said.
Indeed, A Cat! Haaaa
The wreath is Festive & Christmasy. I love it!
Would you post photos of your house decorated?
Xx Kiss from A Cat Lover.
You’re hilarious! I haven’t but I’ll have to have the discussion tonight. I have no idea what my question would be though.
The galette is gorgeous and so festive looking.
Lady, that is one gorgeous creation and I may just try it myself for our family’s annual stuffiest (Oh I meant Xmas lunch!)! My fruity faves are currently: mango & raspberry. And cherries too! (especially when they are in cute pairs!)
What a perfectly Christmassy dessert. Its so wonderful
This looks delicious and festive. I’ve never even thought of a ransom question! Like you, I find it hard to pick a favourite fruit. At the moment, I’m eating a lot of clementines as they are in season but I generally love the berries – strawberries and blueberries in particular.
You know I’m a fan of cherries too – any of this wreath left? Looks so delicious!
Mangoes and apricots are what I am loving right now. This cake looks wonderful.
Yummo! I’d probably make this with preserved Morello cherries rather than waste fresh cherries good for eating. As for bank/ransom questions, we usually one of our cat’s many names. He’s generally just simply called Puss, although he’s got a name in every culture; Russian, German, Red Indian, muslim, Italian, Spanish, and also names based on different movies we’ve watched. We just love making up new names for him. BTW his Red Indian name is Cat of Many Names.
Dear Ma’am, your ‘stories’ are even better than your recipes: pretty appetizing galette, tho’
! Guess random Qs do come up all the time: my answers usually have to do with grandparental facts – the names and dates are so outrageous noone but me would know. For fave fruit would love to say banana, but am not allowed because of its high potassium content in my blood stream – have just bought some gorgeous mangoes to die for, and they will do!
PS. Somehow remember someone recently objected to the use of the word ‘ma’am’: fervently disagree and use the term, especially if name unknown, every day!
Mangoes are my favourite fruit – but not so great for baking I must admit…
Yum! And so pretty!
Thanks for this chuckle in this Silly Season, TRUE!
Your interaction with Mr NQN sounds like what happened with us too!
Ironic, JUST bought HEAPS of cherries the other day as LOVE Cherry PIE!
Filled with LOTS of “treasured memories” is WHY!
Wow…I think I need to make this for the holidays – what a stunning galette – love the almonds and little flowers around the top! My fav fruits at the moment are cherries and cranberries only because I can’t stop thinking about them in this galette – otherwise, it’s been quince the past week lol
Finally, I once actually did discuss a ransom question with an ex. It was decided the question would be one word, as well as the answer. For instance, “Elephant?”, with the answer being “petunias”. Something weird and off base that no one could catch on to lol Love your cat scenario!
The sugar looks like snow
Can’t wait to get out of hospital so I can make this. Looks so delightful…particularly when faced with mass-produced hospital food! I so look forward every day to your yummy pics and your wonderful outlook on life. And loving my new phone that I can access the internet from here!
Love your cat answer as much as the gorgeous looking dessert – will have to try it – looks so festive and delicious!
haha I love the story to this post.. my friends and I have a line we say when we’re in danger!
What a perfect Xmas day centrepiece and dessert and a new use for cherries – thanks.
I’ve asked my hubby to list all my distinguishing features in case of accidents, but I don’t believe ‘stubborness’ counts- even if he does!
Cherries are perfect for this time of year and your galette lookes amazing! Yummo…
Not sure anyone would want to hold either me or him for ransom but the galette is very pretty!
that looks gorgeous – it would be fantastic on the christmas table – especially now that my family is moving away from christmas pudding more and more
ahhh too pretty to eat!!
It’s absolutely gorgeous with almond topping and the ceery and cranberry filling, nice!
Gorgeous!
Cherries
Mangoes
Strawberries, raspberries, blueberries – any kind of berries
Pineapple
Passionfruit….. You can see that I have trouble with “what’s your favourite” questions!
Looks gorgeous Lorraine! Cannae answer the spouse question, but at the moment I love plums and pomegranates. Figs and fuyus too, but I don’t think they’re in season?
Maybe my ransom question could be something related to a Sondheim musical. Bank I.D.s are never about that.
That looks amazing! Go Aussie cherries! I’ve got a punnett of cherries in the fridge at work and have been pitting a handful & serving over natural yoghurt in a tea cup – so good! The sweetness of the cherries cuts through the yoghurt & would be a great healthy dessert with some toasted almonds I think. Love summer for delicious fruit!
I love this idea, looks so festive. You’ve just solved my Christmas dessert dilema!
I don’t think I’ve ever thought about being kidnapped before so nothing about ransom questions either
To name a favourite fruit is such a difficult question! I love cherries, mangoes, strawberries, rock melon, mandarins…omg…the list goes on. The only thing I wouldn’t put on the list is durian. However, with the current season, I’d probably say strawberries (as I just went strawberry picking) 
Dear Lorraine,
I think in the unlikely event one of you are kidnapped, you could bribe the kidnappers with one of your delicious recipes and I’m sure you’ll get your way.
There are too many fave foods on my list to name but I do love cherries, peaches and nectarines.
Ah, cherry are my favourite fruit too (with Mango). The cake looks great
!
Ciao
Alessandra
This is so pretty! I immediately pinned this. I love the idea of tucking in the pie sheet – it looks like lovely wreath!
MMMMMMMMM,…What a festive galette! I loved reading your post, hahahahahahhha!
I love fresh cranberries for the moment, this kind of year! It all says: Christmas in nearly here!
What a divine galette, so beautifully presented also!
Just gorgeous , me want
Love Cherries and Lychees in season, by the box load ! Love Lurpak butter as well.
Random questions….mmmm with my hubby it would be random conversation , lol sometimes he talks akin to a verbal jigsaw haha . I just give him an odd look , he’d certainly leave the kidnappers dumbfounded ! Hehehe
Oh dear, so much baking to do , so little time
I know this is supposed to be a dessert, but I can imagine it as part of a breakfast buffet on Christmas morning.
You know, this looks truly amazing. I reckon you surpassed Nigella a while back!
This looks amazing!! I’m imagining how delicious it would make my house smell as its baking.
I haven’t discussed ransom questions with my hubby, but we do have a code word for when we’re out somewhere (parties, relatives’ houses, etc) and one of us wants to leave. Works every time!
Cherries are one of my favorite fruits too. Your galette is beautiful! xoxo Mum
This is so beautiful!!!!
I am soooooo sooooo going to mke this for holidays…
Gorgeous…
Cheeries are my favourite fruit and this is really pretty. Is the ‘dough’ doughy or crunchy after it is cooked and do you think you could do this as individual puddings. Have you ever tried alcoholising the cherries with kirsh for example.
Dear lordy this galette looks amazing!! Galettes always steal my heart (it’s a french thing
)
Heidi xo
Cherries! And of course I can’t share our secret word!
this looks seriously perfect! I was thinking of you the other day as i pitted a kilo of cherries with a chopstick. i’ve frozen them and now and seriously considering baking this, cherry pie is one of my all time favourite desserts and this is like a glammed up version
You are too cute!
this is so festive, lorraine! the almonds along the border really complete the look.
Ehat a beautiful galette, Lorraine; I particularly live the almonds on the crust, and the lively little flowers! No random questions over here!
Cherries always signify my birthday (‘m a Saggie) and Christmas for me. And they are delightful this year!
Looks amazing, so Christmassy!
How very festive!
We haven’t discussed ransom questions, how remiss of us! Must rectify that immediately
I never made a galette, it’s like a pie right? I don’t know, my kids are so difficult to eat this kind of things, my son only eat apple pie and my daughter, she doesn’t like fruit, even it is in a dessert. I hate when I make something and they don’t want to taste. So at the end, my husband and I eat all the food.
Cherries are my favorite but I like them so much I have a hard time parting from them to cook them. So pretty! And no, I have to run home and think up a ransom question.
This looks absolutely gorgeous and totally like something I need to be getting on with today! So many events to take food to, it isnt funny…Merry Christmas sweetie!
I’m doing Christmas dinner tonight for my two closest friends who will be spending Christmas with their families and I am going to make this beauty for dessert. Thank you for the inspiration and I hope I can do you (and Valli Little) proud!
One Trackback/Pingback
[...] found this recipe via Not Quite Nigella. Her cherry, cranberry and almond galette was so beautiful and so festive I immediately bookmarked it for dessert over Christmas. [...]
Post a Comment