October 17, 2016

Pancrepes

I love weekend breakfast/brunch so it's always fun to try new recipes to serve up for that first meal of the day.  But that said, I have to tell you...I would have made these pancrepes simply so I could say the word, "pancrepes" over and over again What a great name!
I spotted this recipe from Ayesha Curry's cookbook.  Whenever I pick up a new cookbook, I gravitate towards the dessert and the breakfast sections first.  The title of this recipe - pancrepes - got my attention and made me smile.   I don't know how many other pancrepe recipes there are out there but this one apparently happened with Ayesha Curry left the baking powder out of a pancake recipe and enjoyed the result.  

And basically, this is a pancake recipe without the leavening.  I was tempted to make a few changes - i.e., use butter instead of olive oil, sugar instead of honey, and vanilla extract instead of almond - but in the end, I figure I'd try the recipe exactly as written.  
So I made a small batch a couple of weekends ago to try with my family; it was fun announcing we were going to have pancrepes for breakfast over and over again, and we were curious to try it.  And the result was interesting...the pancrepes are very much a denser, thinner version of pancakes (though thicker than crepes).  Texturally, it's chewy.  In a way, it reminded me somewhat of Asian-style glutinous desserts because of that chew.  If you like that kind of chewy, dense texture, you'd likely find it oddly addicting like I did.  But if you are looking for moist, fluffy, feather-like pancakes in thinner form, this is not that and I think it's important to have realistic expectations.

Ayesha Curry serves up her pancrepes with a raspberry sauce and granola.  When I think crepes, I think chocolate-hazelnut spread and bananas so that's how I choose to serve my pancrepes at home.  I don't think maple syrup would be enough here in the sense that these heftier pancrepes need a heartier pairing.  My sister recently brought me a jar of Venchi chocolate-hazelnut spread from her summer trip to Italy and this was a perfect opportunity to pop it open. 
These were described as not only being a textural mix between pancakes and crepes but like the bottom part of a Dutch baby.  I admit that got me excited because I make a Dutch baby pancake for breakfast about every other weekend; it's one of one of our favorite things!  After making these pancrepes though, I'd have to say that a Dutch baby bottom is far more moist and custardy than these, which are more dense and chewy. My family and I kept saying "okay...it's good; we like it..." without a strong sense of commitment though everyone cleaned their plates.  Ultimately, I think we enjoyed these as a fun change.  And more importantly, I got to say pancrepes over and over again like I wanted to.  I still think it's a genius name!


For anyone who wants to say pancrepes over and over again like I did, here's the recipe so you can do the same.  It's half the original, which makes about 6 pancrepes. I kept it simple by serving it with sliced bananas and chocolate-hazelnut spread - two things you hopefully already have on hand.

Recipe:

Pancrepes
Adapted from The Seasoned Life by Ayesha Curry

- For about 6 pancrepes -

2 large eggs
1 cup all-purpose flour
Pinch of salt
3/4 cup whole milk
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 tablespoon honey
1/4 teaspoon pure almond extract (you can use vanilla extract instead; I think the almond extract gives it a distinct flavor we liked)
Serving/topping suggestions: powdered sugar, sliced bananas, chocolate-hazelnut spread

If necessary to keep pancrepes warm, preheat oven to 175 degrees and place a plate in the oven to hold them before serving.

In a bowl, lightly beat the eggs.  Whisk in the flour, salt, milk, oil, honey, and almond extract until smooth though a few lumps are fine.

Heat a large non-stick skillet or griddle over medium to medium-high heat and lightly grease with cooking spray.  Working in batches, pour batter into the pan to make approximately 5-inch rounds.  Cook for about 2 minutes on each side.  If not serving immediately, transfer pancrepes to the plate and place in the oven to keep warm. Serve with sliced bananas, chocolate-hazelnut spread, and a dusting of powdered sugar, if desired.



27 comments:

  1. Love the idea of pancrepes! Perfect for when you can't decide between the two styles. They look wonderful!

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    1. Thanks, Aimee. I had to try it, given the name alone.

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  2. Pancrepes is definitely a fantastic name! I would probably do the same thing and say it over and over! haha And I am definitely intrigued by the mix between the two!!

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    1. Right?! haha. I do love that name and was thinking "why didn't I think of that?!" (I get that thought all the time...)

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  3. They look nicely thin and delicious. I love the name too :-))

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  4. Oh I love the name too Monica, I can see why you had so much fun. Breakfast is not the same anymore at our house since the kids have grown and have their own families now but I miss those special mornings. Sounds like you are really enjoying yours. Have a great week!

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    1. Oh, Cherie...good point. I look at my little one and wonder what life will be like in 7 years when he goes off to college (knock on wood...). Thank you for the reminder...I will be even more in the moment and enjoy the family time and meals.

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  5. Why have I never heard of pancrepes before?? I want to make them so I can say the word over and over, but ALSO because they look so perfect!!

    Sues

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  6. Crepes are so much fun to make and so much easier than one would think and this mash-up is brilliant! Pancakes and crepes in a beautiful marriage - what fun. Thanks Monica!

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    1. Yes, crepes seem so fancy but really not all that hard, right? I just had to try this...I don't think it's for everyone and I think we would enjoy it occasionally but for all the time...back to pancakes and crepes, individually... : )

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  7. So fun!! I've never tried pancrepes before but I know they would definitely be a hit at our house! Such a cute name and yummy to eat :)

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    1. It is always fun to try something and then sit down and see what we think. This one was kind of funny but we had a great breakfast and I had the chance to say "pancrepes..." over and over so there's also that. haha

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  8. I love the name pancrepes! I'd love these for breakfast!

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    1. Just for the name alone, it's worth a try... ; )

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  9. I've never tried pancrepes before...They look light and yummy. Your family is really lucky. I bet that they never want to eat in restaurants...Have a great day sweetie :)

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    1. That's sweet of you...it's interesting because we used to eat out/take out all the time and in the last few years, we eat far more at home. Going out for special meals is a great thing but to be healthy and for everyday, we do eat a lot at home! Thanks and enjoy the rest of the week!

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  10. Pancrepes is such a fun name...and I sure would love to try since I like chewy stuff...
    Thanks for the post Monica...have a wonderful week :)

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    1. Hi Juliana, I think you know what I mean by that dense chewiness. It's kind of addicting in its way. : )

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  11. I love the name too, and they look yummy- Perfect for a Saturday morning breakfast! :)

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    1. I like trying new things for breakfast, that's for sure! The name really is awesome. : )

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  12. Now that is a stack I could inhale in moments! Love your toppings with bananas and nutella. So how long did it take for you to make a stack of pancrepes that high? Did you get 2 pans going at the same time? Love your breakfasts and desserts. We rarely cook desserts at home because well, it requires that whole measuring thing... LOL So I will visit you for my desserts!

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    1. Hi Bobbi - these are much thicker than crepes so it's not hard to whip this little batch up. They're dense and chewy, not like either pancakes or crepes but like a blend of the two at the same time. Funny stuff. I'll keep visiting you for meal ideas and inspiration and I'll be happy to entertain you here with some desserts. : )

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  13. I love the idea of pancrepes - it's going to be my new favorite word to use! Your recipe is on my must make list!

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  14. You're right - pancrepes is a really fun word to say! LOL this is the cutest idea and I LOVE it.

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