1.31.2011

who wants some Crêpes?

February 2nd, this is our Chandeleur, and this is your Groundhog Day.

The French dedicate that day each year to make crêpes (pronounces "krep"). But there is a special way to make your own crepes, it can be an intimidating enterprise unless you have a french-born parent who taught you the special wrist-snapping technique for flipping. Crêpes require practice and effort but they are accessible.
One of the simplest ways to enjoy a crepe is spread with lightly salted butter, rolled up like a cigarette, and doused with sugar. For sweet fillings, we use jam, whipped cream and/or rich chocolate sauce. Crêpes can be more elaborate for a lunch or dinner party. Our grandmother's used to add a dash of beer in their batter to make it lighter.

If you already have enjoyed a trip to France, you might have seen some Crepes stands, the same way you have hot dogs stands in the US. They are very popular.



There is a tradition when celebrating la Chandeleur: how to predict the future!
1/- Find a French franc or another lucky coin
2/- Cook a crêpe on one side
3/- Hold the coin in your weakest hand, when the crêpe is ready to be turned
4/- Attempt single-handedly to flip the crêpe
5/- Enjoy good luck for the rest of the year if the crêpe lands perfectly in the pan. Suffer bad luck if the crêpe does not land well (or try again!).

At la Cuisine, we will be pleased to serve you different kind of Crêpes this Wednesday Feb 2nd for lunch and dinner. We hope to see you there.

Have a good crêpes day!

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

I have to agree that it is a daunting task to make Crepes when you do not have any instruction. I have been to France and love the crepe stands. I wish that they had them here in the states. If I were not stuck in Tampa his week i would be joining you to celebrate la Chandeluer day!