What is a Clafoutis you say? pronounced {klafu tis} is a baked French dessert of fruit, traditionally cherries, arranges in a buttered dish and covered with a flan-like batter. I first had one while in the French countryside at a beautiful farmhouse-style boutique hotel while on my honeymoon. As with many things French, I fell in love with it. A variety of seasonal fruit can be adapted to this recipe as I have done here with apples. Depending on the fruit you select, you may need to adapt the flavorings. I like the combo of vanilla and almond extracts but certainly can stick to just vanilla. Fairly simple to put together with a few panty ingredients and an absolute delight to serve with a cup of coffee or dessert wine.
Start with 3 Apples (honey crisp, granny smith, braeburn) a hearty baking apple.
Preheat oven to 325 degrees
In a mixing bowl or blender combine the following:
3/4 Cup milk or cream
3 Large eggs
1/2 Cup Granulated sugar
2 Tbs melted, unsalted butter
1 Tsp Vanilla extract
1/2 Tsp Almond extract (optional)
Blend well to dissolve the sugar
To the wet mixture add:
3/4 Cup AP Flour
1/2 Tsp Salt
Blend well again to eliminate any lumps of flour and set aside.
Peel and core your apples and slice them very thinly (1/4" or less) A mandolin would come in handy at this stage.
In a heavy bottom pie dish or cast iron skillet, melt 1 Tbs butter
After butter is completely melted, arrange your apple slices to cover the bottom of the dish or skillet. Pour your batter over the top of the apples and bake in the oven for 35-40 minutes.
Select a hearty baking apple such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Braeburn
You will not be disappointed by this delightfully light apple dessert. A perfect finish to any dinner party. Add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream to finish.
