Cherry Clafoutis

Cherry clafoutis is a wonderful choice for those who want to indulge in a simple yet sophisticated dish that combines the flavors of fruit with a fluffy and creamy texture. This easy-to-make recipe is sure to become a family and friends' favorite. Before we start cooking, let's discover some details about clafoutis together.

Originating from culinary traditions, clafoutis is a dessert that has gained popularity due to its simplicity and unique taste. Although clafoutis can be made with various fruits, cherries add a refreshing touch and a perfect contrast between sweetness and acidity.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 30-35 minutes
Total: 50 minutes
Servings: 6

Necessary ingredients:
- 500 g frozen cherries (thawed and pitted)
- 75 g granulated sugar
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar
- 130 g flour
- 200 ml milk
- 3 eggs
- Rum essence (optional but recommended for extra flavor)
- Butter or oil for greasing the pan
- Powdered sugar for decoration

Step-by-step preparation:

1. Preparing the cherries: Start by allowing the frozen cherries to thaw completely. Once thawed, pit them. Make sure to drain them well to avoid excess water in the mixture.

2. Greasing the pan: Take a heatproof dish or a round tart pan and grease it with butter or oil, ensuring that all corners are covered evenly. This step is essential to prevent the clafoutis from sticking.

3. Arranging the cherries: Place the pitted cherries in the prepared dish. You can distribute them evenly so that each slice of dessert contains a generous portion of delicious cherries.

4. Preparing the mixture: In a large bowl, beat the eggs with a mixer, adding the granulated sugar and vanilla sugar. Continue beating until the mixture becomes frothy and slightly lighter in color.

5. Adding dry and liquid ingredients: Gradually incorporate the flour, mixing carefully to avoid lumps. Then, add the milk little by little, continuing to mix until you achieve a smooth and soft mixture. Finally, add the rum essence for a refined taste.

6. Baking: Carefully pour the mixture over the cherries. Preheat the oven to 180°C and place the dish inside. Bake for 20 minutes. Then, remove the dessert from the oven and sprinkle powdered sugar on top. Put it back in the oven for another 10-15 minutes, or until the clafoutis is golden and firm to the touch.

7. Cooling and serving: Once the dessert is ready, let it cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature, dusted with powdered sugar. It is delicious alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or with a chocolate sauce.

Tips and tricks:
- If you don't have cherries, you can experiment with other fruits, such as plums, peaches, or blackberries, to diversify the recipe.
- Make sure the pan is well-greased to avoid sticking.
- You can replace part of the milk with cream for a richer taste.

Nutritional information (per serving, estimated):
- Calories: 220
- Fat: 6 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Protein: 6 g

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use fresh cherries instead of frozen ones?
- Yes, fresh cherries are excellent! Make sure they are well-ripened and pitted.

2. Can I add other ingredients?
- Of course! You can add chopped nuts or chocolate chips for extra texture and flavor.

3. How should clafoutis be stored?
- Clafoutis stores well in the refrigerator, covered, for 2-3 days. It can be reheated in the oven or microwave.

This cherry clafoutis recipe not only offers a quick and delicious dessert but also an opportunity to enjoy moments spent in the kitchen. Whether you choose to serve it at a family dinner or a party with friends, this dessert will surely be appreciated by all. Buy the ingredients, prepare your dish, and let your imagination run wild in the kitchen!