Not quite cherry ripe!
Our next stop is France!
Our next dish originates from the Limousin region located in south-central France and dates back to at least the mid-1800s. Limousin is one of the least populated areas of France. This lush rural area is stunningly picturesque and is known for its oak forests, farming and local produce. Limousin is also renowned for its cattle which produce a lean meat highly coveted in France, its cognac barrels made from the distinctive oak of the region and clafoutis!
Clafoutis, pronounced (kla-foo-TEE), is a traditional cake from Limousin. Its name derives from Occitan, the local dialect of the region from the word clafir or to fill in English.
Quite simply, clafoutis is a batter made from eggs, flour, milk and sugar, which is poured over fruit, traditionally unpitted cherries (unpitted so as to add hints of an almond flavour), and baked (click here for the recipe). When baked, the batter rises and browns. It is best served warm and dusted with icing sugar. Therefore, clafoutis looks like a tart when made and served in this way, however, it is also described as a “runny pancake” when made with less flour.
The pinpoint origin of clafoutis is uncertain, yet, what is known is that during the 19th century its popularity increased and spread all over France and internationally. Clafoutis made outside of the local region has been made with variations from cherries including, apples, pears, plums, mangoes and blackberries. However, on a technical note, a clafoutis made with anything other than cherries is not technically a clafoutis, it is then referred to as a ‘flaungarde’.
A variety of savoury clafoutis or flaungarde – leek & bacon
http://cuisine.journaldesfemmes.com/recette/317303-clafoutis-poireaux-et-lardons
Upon typing the word ‘clafoutis’ into my search engine the global success of the clafoutis was evident as hundreds of recipes for clafoutis exist in many different languages.
Hope you’ve enjoyed this sweet treat from Limousin….I’m off to buy some cherries and create my very own clafoutis!
lickandsplit 
