Apple Calfouti (Oct 24th, 2009)

Apple Clafouti (modified from Barefoot Contessa Pear Clafouti)

Ingredients:
1 tablespoon unsalted butter, at room temperature
1/3 cup plus 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
3 extra-large eggs, at room temperature
6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups heavy cream
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1 teaspoon grated lemon zest (2 lemons)
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
2 tablespoons apple brandy
2 to 3 firm but ripe apples (with tartness)
Confectioners' sugar
honey for drizzling

Directions:
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.

Butter a 10 by 3 by 1 1⁄2-inch round baking dish and sprinkle the bottom and sides with 1 tablespoon of the granulated sugar.

Beat the eggs and the 1⁄3 cup of granulated sugar in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. On low speed, mix in the flour, cream, vanilla extract, lemon zest, salt, and apple brandy. Set aside for 10 minutes.

Meanwhile, peel, quarter, core, and slice the apples. Arrange the slices in a single layer, slightly fanned out, in the baking dish. Pour the batter over the apples and bake until the top is golden brown and the custard is firm, 35 to 40 minutes. Serve warm or at room temperature, sprinkled with confectioners' sugar, and drizzle with honey.