Crêpes

I was first introduced to crêpes on my second visit to Paris. My friend and I were wandering around the St Ouen flea market when I came across a queue by the tiny stall squeezed in between a rambling hodgepodge of junk (or treasure depending on how you see it). The crunchy paper thin pancake smothered in nutella was heaven on earth.

I'd never ever thought of making them thinking that it'd be far too complicated and required a foreign looking spatula. My friend, Tiphaine who's from Brittany where crêpes originated gave me a much needed demonstration. I had no idea that savory crêpes or otherwise known as galettes are made of buckwheat flour which has a  different texture from the sweet version. It's incredibly easy to make provided you have a good non stick pan (Tiphaine recommended this pancake pan). It beats paying £3.50 for a small crêpe when you can make it for pennies.

You can spread nutella or sprinkle icing sugar and lemon or try a more fancy version with strawberries and cream. 

Julia Child’s Master Crêpe Recipe (recipe from GratineeBlog)
Ingredients:
1 cup flour
2/3 cup cold milk
2/3 cup cold water
3 large eggs
1/4 teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons melted butter, plus more for brushing on pan

Directions:
1) Mix all ingredients until smooth in a blender or with a whisk. Refrigerate.
2) Heat a non-stick frying pan over medium heat. Brush with melted butter.
3) Pour in 2 to 3 tablespoons of batter into the center of the pan and then tilt the pan in all directions to cover the bottom evenly. Cook about 1 minute, or until browned on the bottom. Turn and cook briefly on the other side.
4) Cool on a rack or plate as you finish making the rest. Serve as desired.



 
 

After a decadent crêpe lunch, we headed out to explore the Christmas market for the dozenth time only to see a queue that snaked around the Cathedral. At the slightest hint of sunshine, what appeared to be the entire Hampshire county, decided to descend upon the small town. There was a brass band on every corner including an unfortunate bagpipe player whose prowess was given a blow by blow critique by the hubby who'd never ever held one in his life.








I was tempted to get a couple of humorous plaques myself. Or even better still, have one made - Be careful, she bites. Before coffee. And on Mondays.