A baked peach dessert - galette - is easy to make but elegant enough for guests.

Spiced Peach Galette

2 tbsp. butter

1/4 cup brown sugar

15-1/4-oz. can cling peach slices, drained

1 tsp. cinnamon

1/2 tsp. ground ginger

1/2 cup pecan halves

1 pkg. puff pastry, defrosted

1 egg, beaten

2 tsp. sugar

Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream (optional)

Preheat oven to 400 F.

Melt butter in large saute pan over medium heat. Add brown sugar. Stir until melted and the mixture begins to caramelize. Add peaches, cinnamon, ginger and pecans. Cook 4 to 5 minutes until peaches are lightly browned. Set aside to cool.

Cut puff pastry in half. On a floured surface, roll half of dough into a 12-inch circle. Repeat with other half. Transfer dough rounds to an 11x17-inch baking sheet.

Top each dough round with half of filling, leaving a 2-inch border. Fold crust over filling, forming pleats in dough, and leaving a 2-inch opening in center of galette. Brush dough with beaten egg and sprinkle with sugar.

Bake for 20 minutes until pastry has puffed and is golden brown. Serve warm, with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream, if desired.

Makes: 6 to 8 servings, 2 small galettes.

Copyright © 2005 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.