Monday, November 7, 2011

Good Food...I mean Really good food!

I had last weekend off so I took the opportunity to try out new recipes. The menu on Sunday night was: New England Clam Chowder with a baguette and brie cheese. And for dessert a Pear Clafouti! (made from scratch)
Let me just say"YUM"! You all must make this someday!
The chowder recipe is from a cookbook my Mom gave to me called "Cooking light- way to cook"
The Calfouti recipe is from Ina Garten, and here it is.... 
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 pear brandy (recommended: Poire William)
  • 2 to 3 firm but ripe Bartlett pears
  • Confectioners' sugar
  • Creme fraiche

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 pear brandy. Set aside for 10 minutes. 
 
Meanwhile, peel, quarter, core, and slice the pears. Arrange the slices in a single layer, slightly fanned out, in the baking dish. Pour the batter over the pears 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 creme fraiche.