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Fresh Fig Clafouti

Fresh fig clafouti
Julie O'Hara for NPR /
/

A clafouti is a homey French custard with fresh fruit. I've adapted the simple method from Julia Child's Mastering the Art of French Cooking (Alfred A. Knopf 1961), which requires little more than whirling the batter together in a blender. Baking in a cast iron skillet underscores the rustic look and helps create a Swedish pancake-like crust around the feather-light custard, but a 9-inch pie plate will work fine, too. Best eaten warm, this not-too-sweet dessert is delicious any time of day.

Makes 6 servings

Nonstick cooking spray

1 1/4 cup milk (low-fat or regular)

1/3 cup granulated sugar

3 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

6 figs, trimmed and quartered

1 tablespoon raw sugar such as turbinado (granulated may be substituted)

Powdered sugar, for serving

Preheat oven to 350 degrees and coat a 9-inch cast iron skillet or pie plate generously with nonstick cooking spray.

Add the milk, sugar, eggs, vanilla, salt and flour to a blender in that order so the flour does not cake onto the blade. Blend on high for 30 seconds. Scrape down any flour adhering to the sides and blend for 30 seconds more, or until smooth. Pour into the skillet.

Scatter the figs over the batter and sprinkle the raw sugar (or granulated, if substituting) on top. Bake in the center of the oven for 45 to 55 minutes, or until clafouti is puffed and edges are golden brown. A thin knife inserted in the center should come out clean. Cool for 5 to 10 minutes (clafouti will collapse), sift powdered sugar over the top and serve warm.

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