Strawberry Almond Clafoutis

Clafoutis (pronounced kla-foo-tee) is traditionally made with cherries, but it's also delicious with strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, peaches, pears, prunes soaked in brandy...any fruit really really. It's elegant (because it's French!) and easy; like a cross between a soufflé and a flan. You basically make a crepe batter in the blender, pour it over the fruit and bake. It will puff up a little like a soufflé and should be creamy within.

This recipe serves 2-4 and is baked in a small dish but can be doubled (only increase the fruit to 3 cups) and baked in a 9 inch cake pan or skillet to serve 6-8. If you don't like almonds, use 100% AP flour and substitute vanilla extract for the almond extract.

Strawberry Almond Clafoutis

8 oz (2 cups) hulled strawberries, sliced in half if large
1 T unsalted butter
1/2 c milk
2 eggs
1/4 c sugar
1/4 c flour
1/4 c almond flour
1/2 t almond extract

1/4 t salt

Preheat oven to 350 F. Use butter to grease a 6 inch cast iron skillet or gratin dish. Place strawberries in pan, cut side down if halved.

Put all other ingredients in blender and whizz until combined and smooth. About 15 seconds. Pour batter over strawberries. Bake 35-45 minutes or until middle is just set and clafoutis is lightly golden. Let cool slightly. Dust with powdered sugar and cut into wedges to serve. Good warm, room temp or cold.