Fresh Peach Crostata

Preparation

1. Step 1

   Preheat the oven to 325°F. Bring a small pot of water to a boil over high heat. Using a small, sharp knife, cut a small "x" into the skin at the bottom of each peach. Place the peaches in boiling water for 20 seconds. Pour into a colander and rinse under cool running water. Starting at the "x," peel the skin from the peaches and discard. Slice the peaches and place in a small bowl, sprinkling with the 3 tablespoons sugar and set aside.

   Step 2

   In a medium bowl, combine the remaining 5 tablespoons sugar with the flour, Earth Balance, nutmeg, and almond extract. Using your fingers, rub the mixture together until incorporated and set aside.

   Step 3

   Dust a clean work surface with flour. Roll the pastry dough out into a circle about 13 inches across, trimming the edges so they are even. Transfer the dough to a sheet of parchment paper. Spread two-thirds of the sugar-flour mixture on the bottom of the crust, leaving a 2-inch border around the edge. Place two-thirds of the peaches over the flour mixture. Sprinkle the remaining flour mixture over the peaches. Add the remaining peaches on top. Fold the outer edge of the pastry dough in over the crostata to create a crust, pinching excess dough to secure.

   Step 4

   Leaving the crostata on the parchment paper, transfer to a baking sheet. Sprinkle the sliced almonds on top and bake until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly, about 50 minutes. Remove from the oven and allow to cool on a wire rack for at least 10 minutes before serving. Serve hot, warm, or at room temperature.