PANCAKE

It all started with an ebelskiver maker, but then again, isn’t that how any good culinary blog post starts? More like, it all started in my friend Betty’s North Carolina kitchen with a gadget that was hanging on her wall but wasn’t really getting the attention it deserved. The gadget in question was a skillet filled with half-spherical indentions. I could tell that it used it for the batter, but beyond that, I was in need of a lesson. Little did I know I was about to get schooled on ebelskivers.

Ebelskivers are Danish pancakes that are almost crepe-like in their delicacy. Because of their oval appearance, they require a special skillet to create their unique texture and shape. You can find recipes online where the ebelskiver dough balls are dropped into oil in a regular frying pan. Using a special pan makes for a healthier item.  When “flipping” the ebelskivers, it may help to have two utensils such as two spoons. I chose to use two skewers because that’s what I had on hand, which worked reasonably well. A spoon would work as well. They cook quickly- so don’t stray too far from your post.

You can go in the direction of savory or sweet. I traveled both paths. Diced onions, prosciutto, and shredded mozzarella cheese will make for a delicious filling for the savory ones, and strawberries with a homemade caramel sauce can be the sweet finish.  For this recipe, you will need an ebelskiver pan available here.