Joy of cooking french pancake recipe – Culinary Chase
Ah, French pancakes, commonly known as crêpes. Imagine those wafer-thin delights, teamed up with fresh strawberries, whipped cream, or a dollop of Nutella. Or go savory with ham, cheese, and a sprinkle of herbs. The French pancake is incredibly versatile, making breakfast, lunch, or dinner noteworthy.
Today, let’s talk about a truly special recipe that you’ll want to bookmark: French pancakes, or crêpes. Growing up, Sunday mornings were dedicated to crêpe-making. I fondly remember the aroma filling the kitchen, the joyful chatter, and the laughter as we flipped (and sometimes dropped) those delicate pancakes. It’s not just a recipe; it’s an experience.
In this blog post, we’re diving deep into the joy of cooking French pancakes. What makes them unique? What ingredients will you need? How do you make them step by step? Plus, I’ll share some tips, nutritional info, storage options, and even substitutes to get the perfect pancake every single time. So, get ready, let’s whip up some French pancakes!
What Is the Joy of Cooking French Pancake?
What’s so joyful about cooking French pancakes? A lot, actually! French pancakes are not your ordinary flapjacks. They’re elegant, versatile, and bring a touch of European flair to your table. The thin, buttery layers can hold a variety of fillings—both sweet and savory—making them perfect for any occasion.
What Makes This Recipe Different from Other Joy of Cooking French Pancake Recipes?
Firstly, it’s all about the texture. While many recipes might result in thicker, more American-style pancakes, this one ensures your crêpes are as thin as parchment paper. Second, we add a surprise ingredient: double-acting baking powder. This creates a subtle fluffiness that makes each bite heavenly. And the almond extract gives a delicate nutty undertone that compliments both sweet and savory fillings.
How Does It Taste?
Imagine biting into a French pancake that is thin yet tender. The slight crunch on the edges leads you to a soft, almost melt-in-your-mouth center. Whether you go with a sweet or savory filling, the pancake remains the star, providing just the right canvas for various flavors. It’s a subtly sweet, buttery goodness with a hint of nuttiness from the almond extract.
Ingredients You’ll Need to Make This Dish
Here’s everything you’ll need:
- 2 large eggs
- 2/3 cup low-fat milk (1%)
- 1/3 cup water
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon double-acting baking powder
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons confectioners’ sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract or finely grated lemon zest
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by cracking the eggs into a large mixing bowl. Whisk them until they’re well beaten.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
Add the milk, water, almond extract, and vanilla extract to the eggs. Whisk until the mixture is smooth. This step is crucial for ensuring your crêpes don’t have any lumps.
Step 3: Sift the Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, sift together the flour, confectioners’ sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Sifting helps to eliminate any clumps and makes your batter smoother.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Whisk continuously to avoid lumps. Your batter should be smooth and slightly runny.
Step 5: Let the Batter Rest
Cover the bowl with film and let it sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes. This resting period allows the flour to absorb the liquids, resulting in a better texture.
Step 6: Cook the Pancakes
Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat and lightly grease it with butter. Pour about 1/4 cup of batter into the skillet. Swirl it around to coat the bottom evenly. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the edges start to lift, then flip and cook for an additional 30 seconds. Repeat with the remaining batter.
Tips & Tricks on Making French Pancakes
- Resting the Batter: Letting the batter rest enhances texture. If you’re impatient, 30 minutes is the minimum.
- Consistent Heat: Maintain a medium-high heat to get those perfect golden edges.
- Butter: A tiny bit of butter before each pancake keeps them from sticking and adds flavor.
- Thin Batter: Aim for a slightly runny batter. If it’s too thick, add a tablespoon of water at a time until you reach the desired consistency.
- Swirling Technique: Pour the batter into the center and immediately tilt the pan in a circular motion to spread it out thinly.
Nutrition Information
How Do I Store This Dish?
French pancakes can be stored in several ways:
- Refrigerator: Place them in an airtight container with parchment paper between each pancake. They’ll keep for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: For longer storage, layer parchment between each pancake and place them in a freezer bag. They can last up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw them in the fridge before microwaving for 20-30 seconds.
What Other Substitutes Can You Use in French Pancake Recipe?
- Dairy-Free Milk: Almond or oat milk works well if you are lactose intolerant.
- Gluten-Free Flour: Substitute with a gluten-free blend to make it celiac-friendly.
- Sugar Substitute: Use stevia or monk fruit sweetener for a lower-calorie option.
- Coconut Oil: Swap out butter for coconut oil if you prefer.
- Orange Zest: Replace lemon zest with orange zest for a citrus twist.
Joy of cooking french pancake recipe
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Non-stick skillet
Ingredients
- 2 large eggs
- 2/3 cup low-fat milk 1%
- 1/3 cup water
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon double-acting baking powder
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons confectioners’ sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract or 1/2 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
- Start by cracking the eggs into a large mixing bowl. Whisk them until they’re well beaten.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
- Add the milk, water, almond extract, and vanilla extract to the eggs. Whisk until the mixture is smooth. This step is crucial for ensuring your crêpes don’t have any lumps.
Step 3: Sift the Dry Ingredients
- In another bowl, sift together the flour, confectioners’ sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Sifting helps to eliminate any clumps and makes your batter smoother.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
- Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Whisk continuously to avoid lumps. Your batter should be smooth and slightly runny.
Step 5: Let the Batter Rest
- Cover the bowl with film and let it sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes. This resting period allows the flour to absorb the liquids, resulting in a better texture.
Step 6: Cook the Pancakes
- Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat and lightly grease it with butter. Pour about 1/4 cup of batter into the skillet. Swirl it around to coat the bottom evenly. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the edges start to lift, then flip and cook for an additional 30 seconds. Repeat with the remaining batter.
Notes
- Resting the Batter: Letting the batter rest enhances texture. If you’re impatient, 30 minutes is the minimum.
- Consistent Heat: Maintain a medium-high heat to get those perfect golden edges.
- Butter: A tiny bit of butter before each pancake keeps them from sticking and adds flavor.
- Thin Batter: Aim for a slightly runny batter. If it’s too thick, add a tablespoon of water at a time until you reach the desired consistency.
- Swirling Technique: Pour the batter into the center and immediately tilt the pan in a circular motion to spread it out thinly.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I Make the Batter Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! The batter can be made a day in advance and stored in the fridge. Just give it a good whisk before using it.
2. Do I Need a Special Pan for French Pancakes?
While a non-stick skillet works, a crêpe pan is ideal for achieving evenly thin pancakes.
3. Can I Fill the Pancakes with Fruits?
Yes, fruits like berries, bananas, and peaches make excellent fillings. The natural sweetness pairs beautifully with the slightly nutty flavor of the pancakes.
4. How Can I Make the Pancakes Sweeter?
If you prefer sweeter pancakes, add an extra tablespoon of confectioners’ sugar to the batter or sprinkle powdered sugar over the finished pancakes.
5. What Can I Serve with Savory Pancakes?
Pair savory pancakes with a light salad, smoked salmon, or even a poached egg for a full meal.
Conclusion
And there you have it, the joy of cooking French pancakes in all its delight! Whether you’re cooking for a special breakfast, a brunch gathering, or just because you love cooking, this recipe brings joy to your table like no other. Dive into the flavors, relish the texture, and make every bite a memorable experience. Happy cooking, and bon appétit!