Clafoutis aux Poires

Preparing the Gratin Dish
8 Generously spread the softened butter all over the oval gratin dish. Add a couple of teaspoons of sugar and spread around to cover the whole gratin dish. 
Clafoutis Aux Poires preparations
0 Pour the brandy into a shallow bowl large enough to hold the pears when cut.
1 Peel and core each pear then cut them into even slices. As they are cut, place the pears into the bowl. Gently stir to coat each slice with the brandy. when all the pears are cut, stir again, cover, and let marinate for 1 hour. Turn the pears from time to time.
2 Preheat the oven to 400º. 
3 Combine the eggs and vanilla sugar in the bowl of an electric mixer and beat until frothy. Slowly beat in the flour, cream, and salt.
7 Drain the pears and add the marinated liquid to the batter. Mix until well blended.
4 Arrange the pears slices in the prepared baking dish. Pour the batter over the pears. Shake the pan to settle the batter.
5 Place the baking dish in the center of the oven. Bake until the batter is firm and the top is golden, about 25 to 30 minutes.
6 Remove to a rack to cool. Once lukewarm, sprinkle on the powdered sugar.