Makes 4-6 servings

Time: 1 hour

Butter for pan

1/2 c granulated sugar, plus 1 Tbs. for the baking dish

About 1 pound plums, pitted and halved

3 eggs

1 vanilla bean or 1 tsp vanilla extract

3/4 c all purpose flour

3/4 c cream or yogurt

3/4 c milk

pinch salt

confectioners' sugar for the top

• Heat oven to 375. Butter a baking dish that will hold the fruit in one layer; sprinkle it with the Tbs. of sugar, then swirl the sugar around to coat all inner surfaces. Lay the fruit in the dish, cut side down.
• Use a whisk to beat the eggs until foamy. Add the 1/2 c sugar and beat with a whish or electric beaters untnil foamy and fairly thick. Split the vanilla bean in half lengthwise and use a small sharp knife to scrape the seeds into the eggs, discarding the pod.
• Add the flour and continue to beat until thick and smooth. Add the cream, milk, the vanilla extract if you're using it, and the salt. Pour the batter over the fruit and bake for about 20 minutes, or until the clafouti is nicely browned on top and a knife inserted into the middle comes out clean.
• Sift some confectioners' sugar over it and serve warm or at room temp