Favorite Apple Galette

Step 1
Make pastry: Whisk flour, white sugar, and salt together in a bowl. Press butter pieces into flour mixture with your fingers until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Step 2
Make a well in the center of flour mixture. Pour water and vanilla into the well; quickly work water and vanilla into flour to create a loose dough, adding more water if dough is crumbly. You should be able to squeeze it in your hand and have it stay together but be a bit crumbly. Shape dough into a flat disc, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Step 3
Make filling: Stir brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon together in a bowl. Add apples and toss to coat. Let sit for flavors to blend, about 10 minutes.

Step 4
Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C).

Step 5
Roll dough into a large, rough circle on a baking stone or sheet. Pour apple mixture into the center of dough, leaving a 2-inch uncovered border. Dot apples with 1 tablespoon butter.

Step 6
Fold edges of dough up over apples, leaving an opening in the center. Dot dough with remaining 1 tablespoon butter and sprinkle coarse sugar over dough.

Step 7
Bake in the preheated oven until crust is crisp and golden and apples are tender and caramelized, 40 to 45 minutes.