Prune Clafoutis

Preparation

1. Step 1

   Use ½ tablespoon butter to grease a 9-inch round shallow ceramic baking dish, like a quiche pan, or a 10-inch ceramic pie plate.

2. Step 2

   Place all but ½ tablespoon remaining butter in food processor or electric mixer. Process or beat briefly until creamed. Sift together almonds and all but 2 tablespoons confectioners' sugar. Add to butter and continue to process or beat until thick and light in color. Add 1 tablespoon cornstarch. Add whole egg and process or beat well. Transfer to large bowl.

3. Step 3

   In a medium-size bowl, vigorously whisk egg yolks and granulated sugar together until creamy. Whisk in remaining cornstarch. Scald milk in saucepan, then add in a thin stream to egg yolk mixture, beating constantly. Transfer mixture back to saucepan and heat, whisking constantly, until thickened. Remove from heat, brush surface with remaining butter and place saucepan in bowl of ice water to cool down the mixture.

4. Step 4

   Heat oven to 350 degrees. When mixture in saucepan has cooled to room temperature, fold it into almond mixture in bowl. Fold in prunes.

5. Step 5

   Spread batter in baking dish and bake about 30 minutes, until top is lightly browned and knife inserted in center comes out clean.

6. Step 6

   Transfer to rack and allow to cool about 30 minutes. Sift remaining confectioners' sugar over the surface and serve.