Clafoutis

Two weeks ago, I shared a recipe for Cherry Crostata. I can’t forget my inner French girl, so I had to find an equally good French cherry dessert.

I have succeeded.

Just as good and a tad easier to prepare.

It is called….Clafoutis. (Kla-FOO-tee)

Clafoutis is a French comfort food that originated in the Limousin region of France. It has a cakey, custardy, puddingish consistency. It is traditionally made with cherries. Purists do not believe in pitting the cherries, thinking that the pits impart a nutty-flavor and that keeping the fruit whole results in the juices staying inside the cherries.

What? No pittin’ the cherries? Sign me up! That’s so much less work for me.

While cherries are traditional, this can be adapted to work with almost any fruit. Berries would be my second favorite (no peeling or pitting) and since blackberries are just starting to ripen in Chris’s Mom’s backyard, you can almost bet I’ll be whipping up a Blackberry Clafoutis real soon.

This recipe is taken from a little gem called French Desserts.

Cherry Clafoutis

1 cup whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
3 extra-large eggs
3/4 cup sugar
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
1 vanilla bean, split (optional)
1 lb. cherries
confectioners’ sugar

Generously butter and sugar a large, 10 inch diameter baking dish.

Put milk, cream, eggs and sugar in a bowl and mix until thoroughly blended. Add the flour and beat well. If using a vanilla bean, scrape the seeds with the tip of a small knife and stir into batter.

Preheat over to 400 degrees F. Arrange cherries in a single layer in a prepared dish.

Set the dish on the oven rack pulled out half-way, then pour over the batter. Gently push the oven shelf back in and bake until puffed and golden, 35-45 minutes. Just before serving, dust with confectioners’ sugar. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Bon Appetit!

Angie
July 23rd, 2008
Yummy…my mouth is watering! I’d love a big piece of this while watching Tori & Dean!!! LOL.

erin :: the olive notes
July 23rd, 2008
this looks absolutely scrumptious!! I will definitely try it!

Elke
July 23rd, 2008
Hmmm,Hmmm,Hmmm….remember your dear friends when those blackberries are ripe.
I volunteer glady to try that sumptuous looking goddie dessert (lol)

My Mélange
July 23rd, 2008
Angie~ Ha! You got it!
Erin~ You must try it- it is sooo easy and delish!!
Elke~ You bet!! Of course, you guys will be the first for the blackberry one

joanne at frutto della passione
July 24th, 2008
I have become very curious about this dessert. I may have to try it soon. But I’m pretty sure I’ll pit the cherries!

michelle of bleeding espresso
July 24th, 2008
God bless you! Get it! Sounds like you sneezed!
Tip the waitresses, folks! I’m here all week
Seriously it looks delicious. Can you send one over please?

Sherry
February 18th, 2010
Just found your blog on Stumble. It’s fabulous. Best from Jefferson’s Table
.-= Sherry´s last blog ..Supper from 1810 ~ Eggs and Ham, Wild Mushrooms & Sorrel. =-.

cynthia in the french alps
June 2nd, 2010
My French stepdaughter makes a killer Cherry Clafoutis but you have to pit the cherries for that one, unfortunately. Thanks for another version of such a yummy dish. Cynthia in the French Alps
.-= cynthia in the french alps´s last blog ..The Balance Between French and American Decorating: The French/American House =-.