Craving something sweet or savory but short on time? Look no further than the humble crepe! These thin French pancakes are surprisingly versatile and incredibly simple to make. Forget fancy ingredients or complicated techniques – this recipe uses pantry staples and comes together in a flash.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup milk (whole milk or your favorite non-dairy alternative will work!)
- ½ cup water
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Method:
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Whisk it Up: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Create a well in the center and crack in the eggs. Using a whisk or electric mixer, gently begin incorporating the flour into the eggs.
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Gradual Hydration: Slowly whisk in the milk and water, a little at a time, until a smooth, pourable batter forms. There should be no lumps remaining. If the batter seems too thick, add a tablespoon or two more of water or milk.
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Rest and Relaxation (Optional): While not essential, letting the batter rest for 30 minutes at room temperature can help develop the gluten for slightly chewier crepes.
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Heat It Up: Heat a non-stick pan or well-seasoned cast iron skillet over medium heat. Once hot, lightly grease the pan with a touch of butter or oil.
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The Perfect Swirl: Using a ladle or measuring cup, pour about 1/4 cup of batter into the hot pan. Immediately swirl the pan to evenly distribute the batter and create a thin circle.
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The Flip Side: Cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the edges begin to brown and the center appears set. Use a spatula to carefully loosen the edges and then flip the crepe. Cook for another 30 seconds or until lightly golden brown on the other side.
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Crepe Creation Station: Transfer the cooked crepe to a plate and keep warm while you cook the remaining batter.
Now comes the fun part: fillings! Here are some ideas to get your creative juices flowing:
Sweet:
- Nutella and sliced bananas
- Whipped cream and fresh berries
- Lemon juice and sugar
- Maple syrup and chopped nuts
- Fruit compote and a dollop of yogurt
Savory:
- Ham and cheese
- Sauteed vegetables and feta cheese
- Smoked salmon and cream cheese
- Roasted chicken and avocado
- Shredded beef and chimichurri sauce
The possibilities are endless!
Folding Fun: Once you’ve chosen your filling, fold the crepe into a triangle, a roll, or a cute little pocket. Drizzle with additional sauce or a sprinkle of powdered sugar, and enjoy your delicious homemade creation!
Crepe Mastery Achieved!
With this simple recipe, you can whip up a batch of crepes in no time. So next time a craving strikes, impress yourself (and maybe even some friends!) with these delightful French treats.
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