This country French dessert is made with a layer of dark sweet cherries topped by citrus-scented batter.

Cherry Clafouti

1 (12-ounce) bag frozen dark sweet cherries, thawed and drained

3 large eggs

1 egg yolk

1 teaspoon orange liquor

1/2 teaspoon vanilla

1 teaspoon grated lemon zest

1/3 cup granulated sugar, plus 6 teaspoons

Pinch of salt

1 cup skim milk

3/4 cup all-purpose flour

Powdered sugar, for dusting

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Butter six 6-ounce individual quiche dishes. Divide cherries equally over the bottom of each dish.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, orange liquor, vanilla, lemon zest, 1/3 cup sugar and salt. Slowly blend in milk.
4. Add flour and whisk until slightly lumpy.
5. Pour batter over cherries and place dishes in the oven. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until the tarts are golden and puffy. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of sugar over the top of each and bake 5 additional minutes.
6. Cool dishes on wire rack for 15 minutes. Serve warm or at room temperature. Sprinkle with powdered sugar.

Makes 6 servings.

Nutrition information per serving: 242 calories, 4g fat, 1g saturated fat, 142mg cholesterol, 45g carbohydrate, 2g dietary fiber, 7g protein, 77mg sodium, 8% daily value iron (based on 2,000 calorie diet).

Recipe and photograph provided courtesy of the National Cherry Foundation, through ECES, Inc., Electronic Color Editorial Services.