Imagine diving into a dish where the tang of elderberries meets the sweet, mellow tones of ripe pears. That’s the essence of Elderberry and Pear Clafoutis, a dessert that not only dances on your palate but also brings a bounty of health benefits to the table. This dish, with its roots in the rustic French countryside, marries the antioxidant-rich elderberries with the succulent texture of pears, creating a culinary masterpiece that’s as delightful to the senses as it is nourishing.
Ingredients List
To whip up this scrumptious Elderberry and Pear Clafoutis, you’ll need:
– 1 cup fresh elderberries (or thawed if frozen)
– 2 ripe pears, peeled, cored, and sliced
– 3/4 cup all-purpose flour (gluten-free if necessary)
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar, plus more for sprinkling
– Pinch of salt
– 3 large eggs
– 1 1/2 cups whole milk (or a plant-based alternative)
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– Powdered sugar, for dusting
– Butter, for greasing
Instructions
1. Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch pie dish or cast-iron skillet lightly with butter.
2. Layer the sliced pears and elderberries in the bottom of the dish, creating a colorful canvas for your clafoutis.
3. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, and a pinch of salt. Crack the eggs into the mixture, stirring vigorously to banish any lumps.
4. Gradually pour in the milk and vanilla extract, blending until the batter is smooth as silk, a metaphor for the seamless blend of flavors to come.
5. Pour this luscious batter over the fruit, making sure to cover them lovingly. Sprinkle a bit more sugar on top for a glistening finish.
6. Slide the dish into the oven and bake for about 45-50 minutes, or until the clafoutis is puffed and golden, with a slight jiggle that whispers of its custardy heart.
7. Once done, let it cool slightly, then dust with powdered sugar for a snow-capped effect that’s as enchanting to look at as it is to eat.
Cooking Time & Servings
Total Cooking Time: Approximately 60 minutes (including preparation and baking) Servings: Serves 6-8, perfect for sharing with family or savoring over a few days (if you can resist!)
Nutritional Information
Elderberry and Pear Clafoutis isn’t just a treat for the taste buds; it’s a boon for your body too. Elderberries are celebrated for their immune-boosting properties, while pears offer a gentle fiber boost for digestive health. Here’s a rough nutritional breakdown per serving:
– Calories: 220
– Fat: 3g
– Carbohydrates: 40g
– Protein: 6g
This dish is a testament to the philosophy that what’s good for the soul should be good for the body too.
Tips and Tricks
– If fresh elderberries aren’t in season, frozen ones work just fine. Just ensure they’re thawed and drained to avoid excess liquid.
– For a richer flavor, try adding a splash of almond extract along with the vanilla.
– This recipe is wonderfully adaptable; feel free to substitute almond milk or oat milk if you’re going dairy-free.
– If you’re watching your sugar intake, a swap for honey or maple syrup can add a lovely, natural sweetness.
In conclusion, this recipe not only tantalizes your taste buds but also brings a slice of French countryside charm into your home
Elderberry and Pear Clafoutis is more than just a dessert; it’s a bridge to a healthier, more indulgent life. We invite you to roll up your sleeves, embrace the joy of cooking, and let this dish be a reminder of the beautiful balance between pleasure and well-being.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use canned pears for this recipe? Absolutely, though fresh is best for texture and flavor. If using canned, drain them well to avoid excess moisture.
2. Is there a way to make this gluten-free? Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free flour blend.
3. Can this dish be made ahead of time? Indeed, it tastes great either warm or cold. Refrigerate and gently reheat or serve chilled.
4. How do I store leftovers? Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
5. Can I add other fruits to the clafoutis? Certainly! Feel free to experiment with adding or substituting other berries or fruits. Just keep the moisture content in mind to maintain the clafoutis’ structure.
Remember, cooking is not just about following a recipe but making it your own. So, don’t be afraid to tweak this Elderberry and Pear Clafoutis to your liking. Happy cooking, and may your kitchen adventures bring joy and health to your table!
Elderberry and Pear Clafoutis
Ingredients
- – 1 cup fresh elderberries or thawed if frozen
- – 2 ripe pears peeled, cored, and sliced
- – 3/4 cup all-purpose flour gluten-free if necessary
- – 1/4 cup granulated sugar plus more for sprinkling
- – Pinch of salt
- – 3 large eggs
- – 1 1/2 cups whole milk or a plant-based alternative
- – 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- – Powdered sugar for dusting
- – Butter for greasing
Instructions
- Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch pie dish or cast-iron skillet lightly with butter.
- Layer the sliced pears and elderberries in the bottom of the dish, creating a colorful canvas for your clafoutis.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, and a pinch of salt. Crack the eggs into the mixture, stirring vigorously to banish any lumps.
- Gradually pour in the milk and vanilla extract, blending until the batter is smooth as silk, a metaphor for the seamless blend of flavors to come.
- Pour this luscious batter over the fruit, making sure to cover them lovingly. Sprinkle a bit more sugar on top for a glistening finish.
- Slide the dish into the oven and bake for about 45-50 minutes, or until the clafoutis is puffed and golden, with a slight jiggle that whispers of its custardy heart.
- Once done, let it cool slightly, then dust with powdered sugar for a snow-capped effect that’s as enchanting to look at as it is to eat.