We’ve arrived at Friday, and as our cherry-inspired culinary journey across the week gets closer to the end, we celebrate with a dessert that is pure comfort. Cherry Clafoutis, a heartwarming dish that sits delightfully between a flan and a pancake, is our star today. Let’s take this traditional French dessert and give it a Canadian twist with the use of luscious Okanagan cherries.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup fresh Okanagan cherries, pitted
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2/3 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free all-purpose flour with a binder like xanthan gum for a gluten-free version)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
- Butter for greasing
- Icing sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a round baking dish with butter.
- Cherries at the Base: Lay the pitted cherries at the bottom of the baking dish.
- Create the Batter: In a blender, combine eggs, milk, flour, sugar, vanilla, and salt. Blend until smooth, creating a creamy batter.
- Pour Over Cherries: Gently pour the batter over the cherries in the baking dish.
- Bake to Perfection: Place in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes until golden and slightly puffed. A knife inserted into the centre should come out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Allow to cool for a few minutes and dust with icing sugar if desired. Serve warm.
The Charm of Cherry Clafoutis
Cherry Clafoutis is more than just a dessert; it’s a warm embrace. The tender batter, subtly sweet and vanilla-scented, envelopes the juicy cherries, turning into something magical in the oven.
The choice of Okanagan cherries elevates this dish to new heights. Known for their sweetness and flavour, these cherries add a unique Canadian touch to this French classic.
Friday’s Cherry Clafoutis is the comfort food you didn’t know you needed. As we end our workweek, let’s indulge in a dessert that speaks to the soul.
Join us tomorrow as our cherry-themed week continues with a vibrant and nourishing breakfast. Trust me, you won’t want to miss this weekend treat!
– Chef Sarah