Strawberry Ginger Galettes

Summer is in full swing and that means it's time for picnics and back yard barbecues. Fresh fruit abounds, the smell of charcoal grilling wafts through the air, and gorgeous weather beckons us to emerge from our snugly homes and celebrate the season. By now, your calendar is filling up with family get-togethers and summer soirees so here is an easy way to spice up the average picnic table. Strawberry ginger galettes are easy to put together and hard to resist. The unique flavor makes these delectable little desserts something to remember. Start by slicing strawberries into a bowl and tossing them with a spoonful of sugar. Add a pinch of cinnamon, a dash of vanilla extract and freshly grated ginger to taste. Sorry, I am not one for actual measurements. Let this mixture marinate in the fridge for about 15 minutes. In the meantime, roll out a pie crust and cut several large circles close to 4 inches in diameter. (Shortcut... use store bought pie crust to save time and energy!) Place a dollop of the strawberry mixture in the center of each circle and top with chopped almonds. Roughly fold the edges up around the strawberries and brush with egg wash. Sprinkle raw sugar on the dough and bake in a 425 degree oven for about 10 minutes or until golden brown. The result is a wonderfully spicy and mildly sweet treat surrounded by flaky goodness. With sugar and spice, they are everything nice.