Step 1

Combine pears with wine, kirsch, or cognac and sugar.Substitute this liquid for part of the milk called for in the batter.

Step 2

Preheat the oven to 350°Combine milk, eggs, vanilla extract, salt, flour and mix until smooth.

Step 3

Pour a ¼ inch layer of batter in the baking dish or pie plate. Set over moderate heat for a minute or two until a film of batter has set in the bottom of the dish. Remove from heat.

Step 4

Spread the pear pieces over the batter and pour on the rest of the batter and smooth the surface with the back of a spoon

Step 5

Place in the middle position of the preheated oven and bake for about an hour. The clafouti is done when it has puffed and browned, and needle or knife plunged into its centre comes out clean.

Step 6

Sprinkle top of clafouti with powdered sugar just before bringing it to the table. (The clafouti need not be served hot, but should still be warm. It will sink down slightly as it cools.)