Dutch Oven clafoutis Dessert

Raspberry Clafoutis is an easy French dessert recipe that looks fancy, especially when appearing from the bottom of a Dutch Oven. It's a delicious, custardy treat that pairs raspberry with a touch of almond flavor and the sparkle of lemon.

Dutch Oven Raspberry Clafoutis

• 3 tablespoons butter

• 1 1/2 cups milk

• 4 eggs

• 3/4 cup sugar, plus 2 tablespoons

• 1 tablespoons vanilla extract

• 3/4 teaspoon almond extract

• 1 lemon, zested & 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

• 1 cup all purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 3 cups raspberries fresh or frozen

• 1/4 cup sliced almonds

• powdered sugar for topping

  -Using a 12 inch (8 quart) dutch oven, prepare 24 charcoals.

  -In a large bowl, combine the eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla, almond extract, lemon zest and lemon juice until well combined (this can be done ahead of time). When you’re ready to cook, add the flour and salt and whisk together again until well blended.

  -When the coals are hot, place 8 coals directly under the dutch oven. Add butter and allow it to melt. Once the butter is melted and the pot is hot, swirl it around until it melts and coats the bottom. Pour a thin layer of the batter into the dish so it covers the bottom. Let sit for 2 minutes to slightly firm up.

  -Distribute the berries on top of the thin layer. Then pour the rest of the batter over the raspberries. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar and all the almonds on top. Cover, and add remaining 16 coals to the lid.

  -Rotate the lid 1/4 turn every 5 minutes and allow the clafoutis to cook until set, about 30 - 40 minutes. It will puff up a bit but fall once it is removed from the pan to create a dense custardy center. Remove from heat.

  -Sprinkle with powdered sugar to your desired degree of sweetness. Cut into wedges and serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped topping, if desired. Serves 8

Spread the raspberries over the top of the first layer of batter.  Pour the rest of the batter over the raspberries and garnish with sliced almonds.

Sprinkle with powdered sugar and garnish with a few fresh raspberries.

A custard-like center studded with raspberries.

What a pleasant surprise at the bottom of the dutch oven and conjured so easily from a few ingredients!

PERSNICKETY NOTES:

**Not just for camping and the dutch oven - clafoutis can be prepared in your oven at home, using a cast iron skillet, or baking dish. If preparing at home, take advantage of your blender and mix the ingredients as a quick shortcut to prepare the batter.