Georgia Pate Recipes

MINI GEORGIA PEACH CHEESECAKES

Steps:

• Whisk together the ground gingersnaps and pecans in a small mixing bowl. Melt 1 tablespoon of the butter and stir into the mixture until combined. Place 1 tablespoon of the crumb mixture into the bottom of each of six 4-ounce jars. Press into an even, compact layer. Set aside.
• To make the filling, place the cream cheese, mascarpone, sour cream, confectioners' sugar, vanilla and salt in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the beater attachment. Whip just until smooth, about 1 minute. Drop 3 tablespoons of filling into each jar. Give each jar a few gentle taps against the counter to even out the filling. Secure the lids on top of the jars and refrigerate to set for at least 1 hour.
• To make the Georgia peach topping, place a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the remaining tablespoon butter and heat until melted. Stir in the brown sugar, ginger and cinnamon. Cook until the sugar dissolves, about 2 minutes. Add the peaches and stir to coat. Add the bourbon and lemon juice. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the peaches are slightly softened, about 3 minutes more. Set aside to cool.
• Remove the lids from the cheesecake jars. Dollop 1 tablespoon of peach compote on top of each cheesecake. Serve immediately or secure the lids and refrigerate until ready to serve.

GALETTE DOUGH

Steps:

• Tips before getting started: The ice water must have ice in it. The butter must be cut into small pieces.
• To make the dough: Stir the yogurt and the ice water (strained of ice) together in a small bowl and set aside.
• Put the flour, cornmeal, sugar and salt in a large bowl, tossing them once or twice.
• Work the butter into the flour mixture aiming for pieces that range in size from bread crumbs to small peas. The smaller pieces will make the dough tender, the larger ones will make it flaky.
• Sprinkle the yogurt/water mixture over the dough, one tablespoon at a time.
• With your hands, gather the curds of dough together. The dough will be soft. Do not overwork the dough. Divide the dough in half and shape into a disk. Wrap in plastic and refrigerate at least two hours or freeze up to one month.
• To bake:
• Preheat oven to 400. Line a baking sheet with parchment. Put dough on a lightly floured work surface and roll in into an 8 - inch circle about 1/8th inch thick. If it's sticky, throw a little extra flour on it, your hands and the rolling pin. Transfer dough to baking sheet.
• Top with any combination of sweet or savory ingredients. Leave a 2-3 inch border un-topped. Fold uncovered border of dough up over the filling, allowing the dough to pleat as you work your way around the galette. The dough will "pleat" and fall naturally. Let it.
• If you're preparing a sweet or dessert galette, brush the crust with an egg wash and sprinkle with sugar just before baking.
• Bake 35 to 40 minutes or until pastry is golden and fruits are bubbly. Transfer baking sheet to a cooling rack and let stand ten minutes or so. Slide galette on to a serving dish. Serve warm or room temperature.

TENNESSEE JAMBALAYA

Steps:

• For the jambalaya: In a large stockpot or Dutch oven, cook the bacon until crisp and set aside. Cook the sausage in the bacon drippings until lightly browned. Stir in the black beans, tomato sauce, chiles, onion powder, Italian seasoning, carrots and some black pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer, covered, for 45 minutes. Stir occasionally.
• For the wild rice: Meanwhile, bring the chicken stock to a boil in a saucepan and add the rice, bay leaf and hot sauce. Reduce to a simmer, cover and simmer for 45 minutes. Turn off the heat and let steam for 5 minutes. Remove the lid and fluff. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
• Crumble the bacon and sprinkle on top of the jambalaya before serving. Serve over the wild rice.