Clafouti (cla·fou·ti [klah-foo-tee]) is the perfect way to showcase the fresh fruits of summer. It is a delicious French baked dessert, that can be described as a cross between a soft custard and a slightly sweet puffy pancake filled with fruit. The classic French version uses cherries, and purists insist that the cherries be baked in the clafouti with the pits since they supposedly add a unique flavor. Personally, I value my teeth, and choose to pit the cherries prior to baking. I’ve also discovered that Italian plums are fabulous when baked in this dessert. (Peaches, apples, pears, apricots, cranberries, raspberries, blueberries, and mixed berries also make delicious clafouti. I would not recommend fresh strawberries, however, as they don’t hold up well when cooked.) And while this dessert is difficult to spell (another spelling is Clafoutis), it certainly isn’t difficult to make; in fact it can be done in 10-15 minutes hands-on time, depending on how long it takes you to prepare the fruit. The batter, which is poured over lightly sugared fruit, is composed of ordinary staple ingredients that are most likely residing on your cupboard shelves and in your refrigerator.

While perusing the grocery aisles in Paris, I learned that this dessert is so common in France, there are even discounted store brands of it in the dessert section near the yogurt and chocolate mousse. I tasted the store-bought version, which was similar in texture and taste to my homemade versions, although I am happy to report that the following recipes are quicker (since you don’t have to travel to France), and much, much better! I have included two recipes: one is the classic, and the other is a variation using cream cheese – Yum! Both are easiest made in the blender or food processor, but can be made with a hand mixer or even whisked quickly together by hand. Whichever way you prepare this dessert, it will go together very quickly, and will become a family favorite.

Sweet Cherry or Plum Clafouti

6 Servings
2 cups sweet cherries or 3/4 pound ripe plums, pitted and cut in half (about 5 medium)
1 tablespoon sugar

Batter:
3/4 cup milk
3/4 cup light cream
3/4 cup flour
2 eggs
1 egg yolk
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
Powdered sugar, for dusting

Preheat oven to 400°. Butter a 10" pie dish; sprinkle the 1 tablespoon sugar over the bottom of the dish, then distribute the cherries or plums, skin side down, evenly in the pie dish.

In a blender, mix the milk, cream, flour, eggs, and egg yolk, and salt. Blend until smooth, then add the 1/4 cup sugar and vanilla; blend for a second or two to mix. Pour over the cherries or plums, place it in the oven, and bake 30 minutes or until puffed and brown. Sprinkle with powdered sugar and serve at once.

Amount Per Serving
Calories 243 Calories from Fat 116
Percent Total Calories From:
Fat 48% Protein 10% Carb. 43%

Nutrient Amount per Serving
Total Fat 13 g
Saturated Fat 7 g
Cholesterol 142 mg
Sodium 96 mg
Total Carbohydrate 26 g
Dietary Fiber 0 g
Sugars 10 g
Protein 6 g

Vitamin A 11% Vitamin C 1% Calcium 0% Iron 3%

---

Cream Cheese Plum Clafouti

6 Servings

1 1/2 tablespoons soft butter
1 pound ripe black plums, or Italian plums (5-7 medium), or substitute pitted cherries, peaches, or other favorite fruit
2 tablespoons sugar

Batter:
1/3 cup sugar
2 eggs
4 ounces cream cheese, softened (half of an 8 ounce package)
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup flour

Powdered sugar, for dusting

Spread the butter over the bottom and sides of a 10" pie dish or shallow oval casserole dish; set aside. Preheat the oven to 375°.
Wash the plums, remove the stems and pits, then cut each half in half. Arrange the pieces skin side down in the prepared pie dish; sprinkle with the 2 tablespoons sugar.

Place all batter ingredients in the bowl of a food processor or blender; process until smooth, scraping down the sides once or twice. Pour the mixture evenly over the plums. Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes or until puffed and brown. Remove from the oven and sprinkle with powdered sugar. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Amount Per Serving
Calories 254 Calories from Fat 105
Percent Total Calories From: Fat 41% Protein 8% Carb. 51%

Nutrient Amount per Serving
Total Fat 12 g
Saturated Fat 7 g
Cholesterol 99 mg
Sodium 155 mg
Total Carbohydrate 32 g
Dietary Fiber 0 g
Sugars 15 g
Protein 5 g

Vitamin A 15% Vitamin C 12% Calcium 0% Iron 4%