Apple Crêpes: A Perfect Recipe for Thanksgiving At Home or Abroad
Hi Penelope,
I’m studying abroad in France this semester, and my friends and I want to do something for Thanksgiving since we won’t be able to go home for our families’ Thanksgiving dinners. Any suggestions for Thanksgiving dishes that would be easy to make over here?
Gwynne
Via E-mail
Dear Gwynne,
Quelle chance to be in France at this time of year! As depressing as the prospect of a Thanksgiving away from family tradition might be, there are certainly ways for you and your friends to celebrate this American holiday even if you are in Europe.
While it may be hard to find canned pumpkin for the classic pumpkin pie recipe, you can always improvise on classic Thanksgiving themes and incorporate them into what you’ve learned about French cuisine so far. Instead of apple pie, why not make apple crêpes? They’re delicious and very simple to make, and they also happen to be a perfect fusion of American comfort and French taste.
To make the crêpe batter, beat 3 eggs together with ½ a cup of whole milk. Add ½ a cup of sifted flour and 2 tablespoons of sugar to the mixture, and stir well to avoid any lumps in the batter. I like to add a little bit of vanilla to my crêpes, but to each her own. Dab a paper towel into some warm butter, then coat a flat non-stick pan with a thin layer (you could use cooking spray, but the French would not be amused). Ladle enough batter into the pan to cover its surface, and let cook on high heat until brown. Flip, and repeat.
As for the apples, you’ll need 2 large ones. Peel, core and slice them, then toss them with 3 or 4 tablespoons of sugar and cinnamon to taste. Melt some butter in a frying pan, and sauté the apples on medium heat until they become soft and fragrant.
Once your apples are ready, ladle a generous portion onto the center of each crêpe and sprinkle with powdered sugar or cinnamon. Your apple-y treat will be sure to please, and will be a delicious combination of Franco-American cuisine, ideal for a Thanksgiving feast no matter where you are.
Enjoy Planning.
Penelope
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