Description

A clafoutis (pronounced "kla-foo-TEE") is a rustic French dessert made by baking cherries in a custard-like batter similar to the one used for pancakes.

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350 F.
2. Beat the eggs, then add 1/3 cup of sugar along with the salt, milk, and vanilla extract and stir until well blended. Gently stir in the flour and mix gently until just combined. Don't use a blender or food processor as this will overwork the batter.
3. Pour about one-third of the batter into a buttered 2-quart baking dish and transfer it to the oven for 10 minutes. This quick pre-baking stage helps set the bottom part of the batter so that the cherries don't simply sink to the bottom. Remove the dish, but leave the oven on.
4. Next, scatter the whole cherries over the top of the set batter, then cover the cherries with another 1/3 cup of sugar, distributed evenly. Finally, pour the rest of the uncooked batter over the top.
5. Return it to the oven and cook for another 45 to 60 minutes without opening the oven door, or until it's puffed slightly, set, and golden brown around the edges. It may jiggle slightly in the center; this is fine as the middle will set as the clafoutis cools.
6. Let it cool for 10 minutes, then sprinkle with powdered sugar and creme fraiche (or whipped cream) and serve while still warm.