This classically simple milliard is similar to a clafouti - both desserts are a cross between a cake and a custard and are about as thick as a thin cake layer.

　　

Ingredients

Serves 6

　　1 pound seedless red grapes (about 3 cups), rinsed well and drained

　　1/2 stick (1/4 cup) unsalted butter, softened

　　1/3 cup granulated sugar

　　1 whole large egg

　　1 large egg yolk

　　1/2 cup all-purpose flour

　　1/4 teaspoon salt

　　1/2 cup milk

　　1 tablespoon Armagnac, or to taste

　　confectioners' sugar for dusting

　　Accompaniment: lightly sweetened whipped cream

　　

Step 1

Preheat oven to 300°F.

　　

Step 2

In a shallow glass baking dish arrange grapes in one layer and bake in middle of oven 30 minutes. Cool grapes completely. Reserve 1 cup grapes and transfer remaining grapes to a 6- to 8-cup shallow baking dish.

　　

Step 3

Increase temperature to 375°F.

　　

Step 4

In a bowl with an electric mixer cream together butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy and beat in whole egg and yolk until combined well. Add flour and salt and beat mixture on low speed until just combined. Add milk and Armagnac, beating until batter is just combined, and pour over grapes in baking dish, spreading evenly. Arrange reserved grapes decoratively on top of batter.

　　

Step 5

Bake milliard in middle of oven until a tester comes out clean, about 30 minutes, and cool slightly on a rack.

　　

Step 6

Dust milliard with confectioners' sugar and serve warm or at room temperature with whipped cream.