The history of crepes and French toast
Crepes and French toast have been enjoyed for centuries, with their origins dating back to ancient Rome and medieval Europe.
Crepes
The word "crepe" comes from the Latin word "crispa," meaning curled. Crepes were originally known as "galettes," a term still used in some parts of France today. They were made using buckwheat flour and were a popular food among the lower classes. Crepes as we know them today, made with wheat flour and filled with various ingredients, became popular in the 20th century.
In France, crepes are traditionally eaten on Candlemas Day, also known as La Chandeleur. This holiday falls on February 2nd and is celebrated by making crepes. It is said that if you can flip a crepe with one hand while holding a coin in the other, you will have good luck for the coming year.
Crepes have become a popular food worldwide, with variations found in many cultures. In Japan, crepes are often filled with fruit and cream and eaten as a street food. In the United States, crepes are often served for breakfast or brunch, filled with sweet or savory ingredients.
French Toast
French toast, also known as "eggy bread," has been enjoyed for centuries and was a popular dish in medieval Europe. It was originally made using stale bread soaked in milk and eggs, then fried until golden brown. The dish was often served as a way to use up stale bread and was a popular breakfast choice among the lower classes.
The name "French toast" is believed to have originated in America, where it was called "French toast" because it sounded fancy and exotic. In France, the dish is known as "pain perdu," which means "lost bread," referring to the practice of using stale bread.
French toast has become a popular breakfast dish worldwide, with variations found in many cultures. In Mexico, French toast is often served with cinnamon and sugar, while in India, it is often made using bread dipped in a spiced egg mixture and served with chutney.
Crepes and French Toast Recipes
Now that you know a bit about the history of crepes and French toast, it's time to try your hand at making these delicious dishes! Here are a few recipes to get you started.
Classic Crepes
Ingredients: - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 2 eggs - 1/2 cup milk - 1/2 cup water - 1/4 tsp salt - 2 tbsp butter, melted
Instructions: 1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, eggs, milk, water, and salt until smooth. 2. Add the melted butter and whisk again until smooth. 3. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. 4. Pour 1/4 cup of batter onto the skillet and swirl to coat the bottom of the skillet. 5. Cook for 1-2 minutes, until the edges start to lift off the skillet. 6. Flip the crepe and cook for an additional 30 seconds. 7. Repeat with the remaining batter. 8. Serve with your favorite filling, such as Nutella and bananas or ham and cheese.
Cinnamon French Toast
Ingredients: - 4 slices of bread - 2 eggs - 1/2 cup milk - 1 tsp vanilla extract - 1/2 tsp cinnamon - 1/4 tsp nutmeg - 2 tbsp butter
Instructions: 1. In a shallow dish, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg. 2. Melt the butter in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. 3. Dip each slice of bread in the egg mixture, making sure to coat both sides. 4. Place the slices of bread in the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, until golden brown. 5. Serve with butter and maple syrup.
Savory Crepes
Ingredients: - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 2 eggs - 1/2 cup milk - 1/2 cup water - 1/4 tsp salt - 2 tbsp butter, melted - 1/2 cup cooked ham, diced - 1/2 cup shredded cheese - 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
Instructions: 1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, eggs, milk, water, and salt until smooth. 2. Add the melted butter and whisk again until smooth. 3. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. 4. Pour 1/4 cup of batter onto the skillet and swirl to coat the bottom of the skillet. 5. Cook for 1-2 minutes, until the edges start to lift off the skillet. 6. Flip the crepe and cook for an additional 30 seconds. 7. Repeat with the remaining batter. 8. In a separate skillet, heat the ham over medium heat until lightly browned. 9. Sprinkle the cheese and green onions over the ham. 10. Fold the crepes in half and fill with the ham, cheese, and green onion mixture. 11. Serve hot.
Conclusion
Crepes and French toast are classic breakfast dishes that have been enjoyed for centuries. Whether you prefer sweet or savory, there is a crepe or French toast recipe out there for you. So why not step out of your breakfast rut and give these delicious and timeless dishes a try? You might just find a new favorite breakfast food!
