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Origin of Crepes: Everything You Need to Know
Craving something sweet? Why not try a crepe?
A crepe is a thin pancake that can be filled with all sorts of delicious ingredients. They're perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Also, it's even better when topped with Nutella, bananas, or strawberries.
Once you try a crepe, you'll be hooked. They're light, fluffy, and downright delicious!
But, now that you're in love with crepes, you're probably wondering where this yummy treat came from. In this blog post, you'll discover everything about the origin of crepes.
Related: Which Carbon Steel Pan Is Best For You?
A Brief History of Crepes
Crepes have been around for centuries and have a long and rich history. The earliest known crepes date back to the 12th century when they were made with buckwheat flour and water.
These simple crepes were known as galettes and were popular among peasants in France and Belgium. In the 14th century, crepes began to be made with milk and eggs, making them richer and more flavorful.
By the 16th century, crepes were widely available in Parisian markets and were enjoyed by all social classes. Crepes are still popular, with both savory and sweet versions enjoyed worldwide. Whether you want them for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, there's no denying that crepes are delicious and versatile food.
French Folklore: The Origin of Crepes
In France, crepes are a beloved part of the cuisine. However, their origin is somewhat disputed. One theory is that crepes were first created in the city of La Rochelle during the Middle Ages.
According to this story, a young woman made pancakes for her family one day when she ran out of eggs. To make do with what she had, she substituted water for the eggs and found that the results were surprisingly good.
The pancakes were thinner and more delicate than usual, quickly becoming a local favorite. Another theory suggests that crepes originated in Brittany, where they were traditionally made with buckwheat flour.
These crepes were known as galettes and were often served with savory fillings such as cheese or ham. No matter their origin, crepes are now enjoyed by people all over France - and beyond!
How Are Crepes Made?
Once you've mastered the basic crepe recipe, you'll be amazed at how effortlessly you can transform simple ingredients into an elegant dish. Start with the essentials: eggs, milk, flour, and melted butter. They are often cooked in a special crepe pan or flat griddle. Here’s how:
- Prepare the Batter:
- In a blender, combine eggs, milk, flour, melted butter, sugar, and salt.
- Blend until smooth, ensuring there are no lumps in the batter.
- Allow the batter to rest for about 30 minutes to achieve the perfect texture.
- Cooking the Crepes:
- Heat a special crepe pan or flat griddle over medium heat.
- Once hot, pour a ladleful of batter into the center of the pan.
- Quickly rotate the pan to spread the batter evenly in a circle.
- Cook for about 1-2 minutes until the edges start to brown and the top looks set.
- Gently loosen the edges with a crepe spatula, then carefully flip the crepe and cook the other side for another 1-2 minutes until lightly golden.
- Serve and Fill:
- Remove the cooked crepe from the pan and place it on a plate.
- Fill the crepe with your desired sweet or savory fillings such as Nutella, fresh fruit, meat, cheese, or vegetables.
- Fold or roll the crepe and serve immediately.
- Repeat the process with the remaining batter until all crepes are cooked and filled. Enjoy your delicious homemade crepes!
Remember, crepes are a canvas for your culinary creativity. Whether you opt for sweet fillings like fruit and chocolate or savory ones such as cheese and ham, the possibilities are endless. Embrace the fun of crepe making and don't worry if they're not perfect on the first try. Even the most imperfect crepes are still a delight to the taste buds!
La Chandeleur: The Crepe Holiday
La Chandeleur is a French holiday that falls on February 2nd. A celebration of the Presentation of Jesus Christ is also called Candlemas.
The holiday is named after the candles that are lit on this day. According to Christian tradition, this is the day when Mary, the mother of Jesus, took him to the temple for God to see him.
In France, La Chandeleur is celebrated by eating crepes. Crepes are thin pancakes that can be either sweet or savory. They are traditionally made with wheat flour, milk, eggs, and butter.
On La Chandeleur, it is customary to make crepes with a silver coin hidden inside. Whoever finds the coin in their crepe is said to have good luck for the rest of the year. La Chandeleur is a delightful holiday that celebrates both faith and food.
Our Favorite Crepe Recipes
The Best Pans to Make the Best Crepes
Celebrate the French Crepe Holiday Any Time With the Right Cookware
The best way to celebrate the famous french crepe holiday is with de Buyer. For 200 years, we have been making the perfect pots and pans for all celebrations and holidays. This year celebrate La Chandeleur the right way by shopping with us today!
