Caramelized Apple Clafoutis

Preheat the oven to 375°. In a large skillet, melt the butter. Add the apples and cook over moderately high heat, stirring, for 1 minute. Add 1/4 cup of the sugar and cook, stirring, until the apples soften and lightly caramelize, 5 minutes. Scrape the apples and all of the liquid onto a plate and let cool.

In a bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder and salt. In another bowl, whisk the eggs and remaining 1/4 cup of sugar until pale. Whisk in the flour mixture, milk, crème fraîche and Calvados. Fold in the apples and their liquid. Pour the batter into six buttered and sugared, 5-by-3 1/2-inch shallow, oval baking dishes.

Bake for 35 minutes, until golden and just set. Let cool until warm, then run a knife around the edge of each clafoutis and unmold onto plates. Serve with a wedge of cheese.