Cherry-Almond Clafouti

TOOLBELT DIVA's Note:

Clafouti is a French dessert, half pudding and half cake; very easy to prepare. Fresh cherries are the classic filling; however, if these are not available, use canned tart cherries, (not pie filling), figs, prunes, or halved dried apricots. Nut Warning - Almonds and Almond extract. Eliminate these ingredients from the recipe if your have an intolerance to nuts.

• Total Time: 45 mins
• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Cook Time: 35 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 4

• 12 ounces large fresh pitted cherries or 12 ounces frozen cherries , thawed and drained
• ¼ cup sugar
• 3 tablespoons sliced almonds
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 pinch salt
• 3 large eggs , plus
• 1 egg yolk
• ¾ cup whole milk
• ¼ teaspoon almond extract
• 4 teaspoons cognac (optional) or 4 teaspoons brandy (optional)
• confectioners' sugar , for sprinkling
• 2 tablespoons roasted sliced almonds , for garnish (optional)

Directions:

1. Preheat over to 375°F.
2. Butter four 1-cup capacity ramekins, or custard cups.
3. In a small bowl, toss the cherries with 2 tbsp of the sugar, then divide evenly among the ramekins (or custard cups) In a food processor, combine the almonds, the remaining sugar, the flour, salt, eggs, egg yolk, milk, and almond extract.
4. Process about 30 seconds,or until the almonds are ground and the mixture forms a smooth batter Pour the batter over the cherries, dividing equally.
5. Top each serving with 1 tsp cognac, or brandy, and bake 35 minutes, or until puffed and brown.
6. Let cool until warm (they will sink slightly).
7. Sprinkle with confectioners' sugar and garnish with toasted almonds, if desired.
8. Serve warm.
9. NOTE: To make one large dish of clafouti instead of individual servings, pour the batter into a buttered 2-quart baking dish and cook 45 minutes.
10. Serve by spooning clafouti into individual dessert dishes.

Reviews

[Tina and Dave]

Excellent! I had a jar of cherries in cognac, so used them - gave it a bit of a kick! Thanks for an easy and tasty recipe!

[Chef #880889]

Yum, Yum, Yum! My first attempt at a clafouti and it was fantastic! I'd add a creme anglais sauce with it next time, though it was very good on its own with powdered sugar. Thanks!

[Annz Recipez]

My son (who takes French) says I pronounce clafouti wrong. Oh well-- it tastes wonderful and it's healthy too! I like to eat it for breakfast. I used 2% milk instead of whole and left out the cognac/brandy cuz I didn't have any on hand. I baked it in a casserole dish and it turned out very yummy, and pretty too! Thank you.