Creating a French-inspired treat can be a delightful culinary adventure. Here’s a recipe for a classic French treat: Crêpes Suzette. These delicate crêpes are bathed in a delicious orange-infused sauce, making them perfect for a special occasion or a decadent dessert.
Ingredients:
For the Crêpes:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- Pinch of salt
- Butter or oil for cooking
For the Suzette Sauce:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup sugar
- Zest of 1 orange
- Juice of 2 oranges
- 1/4 cup Grand Marnier or Cointreau (optional for a boozy twist)
- Vanilla ice cream (for serving)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Crêpe Batter:
- In a blender, combine flour, eggs, milk, water, melted butter, and a pinch of salt. Blend until smooth.
- Let the batter rest for at least 30 minutes to allow the flour to hydrate.
- Cook the Crêpes:
- Heat a non-stick skillet or crêpe pan over medium heat. Add a small amount of butter or oil to coat the pan.
- Pour a ladleful of batter into the pan, swirling it around to spread the batter thinly and evenly.
- Cook for about 1-2 minutes until the edges start to lift and the bottom is golden brown. Flip the crêpe and cook the other side briefly. Repeat with the remaining batter.
- Prepare the Suzette Sauce:
- In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add sugar and orange zest, stirring until the sugar is dissolved.
- Squeeze the juice of two oranges into the saucepan, straining out any seeds or pulp.
- Optional: Carefully add Grand Marnier or Cointreau to the sauce for a boozy flavor. Be cautious as the alcohol may ignite briefly (flambé).
- Simmer the sauce for a few minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Assemble Crêpes Suzette:
- Fold the crêpes into quarters or roll them into cylinders.
- Dip each crêpe into the warm Suzette sauce to coat it generously.
- Arrange the coated crêpes on a serving plate.
- Serve:
- Serve the Crêpes Suzette warm, drizzled with additional sauce from the pan.
- Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for a delicious contrast of warm crêpes and cold ice cream.
Enjoy this elegant and indulgent French treat with your loved ones, and savor the delicate flavors of orange and buttery goodness!