Apple and Pear Gratin

• large eggs↗3
• large egg yolks↗2
• sugar↗2⁄3 cup
• dark rum↗1 tablespoon
• vanilla extract↗1⁄2 teaspoon
• flour↗2 tablespoons
• heavy cream↗1⁄2 cup
• red apple↗1

  (such as fuji, gala or rome beauty)

• ripe pear↗1

  (anjou or barlett)

Step-by-step instructions

1. 1

   Preheat oven to 325. Butter the sides and bottom of a 9-inch baking dish that is at least 2 inches deep, or a 9-inch springform pan.

2. 2

   Put the eggs and egg yolks and the sugar in the bowl of a mixer. Beat at a high speed till you see pale yellow ribbons form.

3. 3

   Mix in the rum and vanilla. Add the flour and mix well. Transfer to a mixing bowl.

4. 4

   In a clean mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream to firm peaks, then fold it carefully into the egg mixture with a rubber spatula. Pour the batter into the buttered dish.

5. 5

   Peel and core the apple and pear and slice them crosswise into thin half moons. Arrange over the batter in the baking dish, alternating the apple and pear slices.

6. 6

   Do not be concerned if they sink into the mixture - they will all eventually be embedded in it.

7. 7

   Place in the preheated oven and bke till the top has turned golden brown, about 45 minutes.

8. 8

   Serve warm or chilled.