A delicious French dessert

French cuisine is known for many things, including dessert. Those who want to emulate their favorite French chefs for a loved one this Valentine's Day should consider the following recipe for "Clafoutis," a French baked custard, from Elisabeth M. Prueitt and Chad Robertson's "Tartine" (Chronicle Books).

Clafoutis
Makes one 10-inch custard
2 cups whole milk
3/4 cup sugar
½ vanilla bean
Pinch of salt
3 large whole eggs
1/3 cup plus 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
2 cups cherries, pitted
1/4 cup sugar for topping

Preheat the oven to 425 F. Butter a 10-inch ceramic quiche mold or pie dish.
In a small saucepan, combine the milk, sugar, vanilla bean and salt. Place over medium heat, stirring to dissolve the sugar, to just under a boil. While the milk mixture is heating, break 1 egg into a heat-proof mixing bowl, add the flour and whisk until the mixture is free of any lumps. Add the remaining 2 eggs and whisk until smooth.
Remove the saucepan from the heat. Slowly ladle the hot milk mixture into the egg mixture while whisking constantly. Pour the mixture into the prepared mold and add the fruit, making sure that the fruit is evenly distributed.
Bake until just set in the center and slightly puffed and browned around the outside, 30 to 35 minutes. Remove the custard from the oven and turn up the oven temperature to 500°F. Evenly sprinkle the sugar over the top of the clafoutis. Return the custard to the oven for 5 to 10 minutes to caramelize the sugar. Watch carefully, as it will darken quickly.
Let the custard cool on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Far Breton Variation: Omit the cherries. Soak 2 cups pitted prunes in equal parts water and brandy for about 1 hour; the timing will depend on how dry the prunes are. Drain off any remaining liquid before adding the prunes to the custard.
Note: You may use any fruit that is well balanced with acidity and sweetness, such as raspberries, apricots or peaches. Sauteed apples or pears are delicious variations in fall.