Basic Crepes

In our family, crepes are a staple at every New Years Eve Brunch. 

We always serve them sweet with
strawberries, freshly whipped cream, and a dusting of powdered sugar. 

It doesn't stop there though. 

Some of the best crepes I've had are savory-including the Turkey & Pesto crepe at Pier 39 in San Francisco.  Delicious! 

Whether sweet or savory,
it all starts with the basic crepe,
and here's how...

Basic Crepes

Recipe from Cooking Light

Makes 13 crepes

Ingredients

1 c all-purpose flour (about 4 1/2 ounces)

2 tsp sugar

1/4 tsp salt

1 c low-fat 1% milk

1/2 c water

2 tsp butter, melted

2 large eggs

Directions

Lightly spoon the flour into a dry measuring cup and level with a knife.

Combine flour, sugar, and salt in a small bowl.

Combine milk, water, melted butter, and eggs in a blender.

Add the flour mixture to milk mixture, and process until smooth.

Cover the batter and chill for 1 hour.

Heat an 8-inch nonstick crepe pan or skillet over medium heat.

Pour a scant 1/4 cup batter into pan

and quickly tilt the pan in all directions

so the batter covers the pan with a thin film.

Cook about 1 minute.

Carefully lift the edge of the crepe with a spatula to test for doneness.

The crepe is ready to turn when it can be shaken loose from the pan

and the underside is lightly browned.

Turn crepe over,

and cook for 30 seconds or until center is set.

Place crepe on a towel and cool completely.

Repeat procedure with the remaining batter,

stirring batter between crepes.

 

Stack crepes between single layers of wax paper to prevent sticking.

Crepes can be refrigerated for up to three days or frozen for up to one month.

Nutritional Info (one crepe):

62 calories; 1.6 fat grams

{Notes}

Alton Brown of the Food Network

suggests a slight variation for sweet versus savory crepes. 

Savory:

Add 1/4 tsp of salt, 1/4 c chopped fresh herbes, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes to the egg mixture.

Sweet:

Add 2 1/2 tsp of sugar, 1 tsp of vanilla extract, in addition to other "flavorings".

Note:
He opts for 2 tbs of flavored liquor,
however since we don't drink,
I'd opt for 1 tsp of orange or raspberry flavored extract!

Enjoy!