Sweet-Cherry Clafouti

Name: Sweet-Cherry Clafouti
Prep time: 20 minutes
Total time: 55 Minutes
Yield: Makes 8 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup sugar, divided; 1/2 cup chilled mascarpone cheese or crème fraîche; 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream, divided; 2 tablespoons kirsch (clear cherry brandy), divided; 1 pound frozen pitted sweet cherries, thawed; 3 large eggs; 1 vanilla bean, split lengthwise; 3/4 cup sour cream; 1/2 cup whole milk; 6 tablespoons all purpose flour

Chef Michael Presnal of The Federal Restaurant in Agawam, Massachusett, writes: "The recipe here was featured on one of my first menus as a chef, before I got into the kind of complex cooking I do now at The Federal. That was over ten years ago, but I still love making this dish at home. It calls for just a few fresh ingredients and takes only a couple of steps." A French country dessert that's like pudding and tender cake all in one.

By Michael Presnal

August 26, 2005

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