Strawberry Sesame Galette

I was born an hour before Mother’s Day. Occasionally, my birthday would fall on the actual day, which always felt special for my mom and I. A day for both of us to celebrate each other, we thought. When I was a kid, I’d come downstairs to the beams above the dining table decked in colorful garlands (a very Dutch thing to do), which felt like entering a circus. There would be a card and a present or two, and she’d always retell the story of when I was born. In the last few years, she started a new tradition where I’d come downstairs to flowers that could be immediately planted in the garden–typically foxgloves, peonies, or bleeding hearts (fitting). For Ryan’s birthday three days later, she’d make sure there was a fruit tree or conifer awaiting his arrival in the morning.

As you can imagine, this year, I’m dreading both. While the pain of grief still feels constant five weeks in, there are moments where it sears more intensely. I’m not sure how I’ll spend both days yet, but I’m going to try to avoid social media at all costs.

Hopefully this year is feeling more celebratory for you and your loved ones. I started working on this Strawberry Sesame Galette back in March and am so pleased with the final result. I thought it’d be the perfect thing to make for Mother’s Day, or for any warm-weather dinner party. I’d been obsessing over this combination, which turned out even better than I expected. The strawberries become jammy once baked, which, coupled with the tahini creates something akin to an elevated PB&J. My friend and galette queen, Rebecca Firkser, and I talked quite a bit about how to incorporate the tahini here. It was her suggestion to add a bit of sesame oil for some more oomph. There’s sesame seeds in the dough too–as well as a sprinkling on top which is really just for texture and to up the prettiness factor.

If you’re looking for a last minute Mother’s Day gift, might I suggest a copy of Nights & Weekends?

Strawberry Sesame Galette

Serves 8

Ingredients