The first winter clafoutis

Kaki Clafoutis: A Winter Delight Full of Flavor and Color

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 55 minutes
Servings: 8

A simple yet visually and tastefully impressive dessert, clafoutis originates from French cuisine and is cherished for its versatility. This recipe highlights kaki fruit, also known as persimmon or sharon, which ripens in the colder months and adds a touch of freshness and sweetness to our meals.

The history of clafoutis dates back to the 19th century when it was created as a simple way to utilize seasonal fruits, often made with cherries. Over time, the recipe has diversified, and today we can find clafoutis with a variety of fruits, but the combination with kaki is truly special, offering not only a delicious taste but also a vibrant color that invites serving.

Ingredients needed for a 25 cm kaki clafoutis:

- 2 small kaki fruits (persimmon, sharon), sliced
- 4 fresh eggs
- 400 ml milk (ideally whole milk for a creamier texture)
- 1/2 bottle of rum essence
- 50 g melted butter + extra for greasing the pan
- 100 g sugar (or to taste)
- 130 g flour

Making kaki clafoutis is an enjoyable activity, and each step is simple and accessible.

Step 1: Preparing the baking dish

Start by preheating the oven to 200 degrees Celsius. Take a round baking dish of about 25 cm and grease it well with butter. This step is not just for flavor; it also helps prevent the clafoutis from sticking to the edges. Arrange the kaki slices evenly on the bottom of the dish.

Step 2: Preparing the batter

In a large bowl, whisk the eggs with a whisk until they become fluffy and have a uniform color. Gradually add the sugar, mixing well to dissolve completely. It's important to achieve a homogeneous mixture, so the sugar doesn't form lumps. Then, add the flour, stirring continuously to avoid lumps.

Step 3: Incorporating the liquid ingredients

Once you have a smooth mixture, pour in the melted butter and rum essence, mixing again. Finally, add the warm milk, continuing to stir. The consistency should be fluid but not too runny.

Step 4: Assembling the clafoutis

Carefully pour the egg and milk mixture over the kaki slices in the baking dish. Make sure the fruits stay at the bottom and don’t disturb them too much. Now your clafoutis is ready for the oven!

Step 5: Baking

Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 40 minutes, or until the clafoutis turns golden and holds its shape. You can check for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean.

Step 6: Cooling and serving

After removing it from the oven, let the clafoutis cool slightly before slicing. You can serve it plain or dusted with sugar, but I've found that the natural sweetness of the kaki is so intense that no additional sugar is needed.

Helpful tip: If you want an even more aromatic clafoutis, you can add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the egg and milk mixture. These blend perfectly with the flavor of the kaki fruit.

Nutritional benefits:

Kaki is a fruit rich in vitamins (A, C, E) and minerals, with a high antioxidant content. It is a good source of fiber, making it beneficial for digestion. Additionally, this dessert is not very heavy, containing about 200 calories per serving, depending on the ingredients used.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use other fruits instead of kaki?
Absolutely! You can experiment with cherries, apples, pears, or even blueberries. Each variation brings a unique flavor note.

2. How can I improve the texture of the clafoutis?
If you desire a fluffier texture, you can replace some of the milk with cream.

3. How long does the clafoutis last?
It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, covered with plastic wrap. It can be enjoyed both cold and at room temperature.

Pair the clafoutis with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for a decadent dessert. Also, a cup of tea or coffee is perfect to accompany this sweet treat.

Enjoy this kaki clafoutis, a dessert that will not only delight your taste buds but will also add a splash of color to your winter table! Savor each slice and let its delicate aroma carry you away. Enjoy!