10 tips for a successful candlestick!|Montreal Citycrunch
Hooray, the month of February is almost here! February is: winter sports, longer days and the only time when we use the word “leap year” (or not). And it's the month of Candlemas or the pancake festival! It's the time of year when all eyes are on the pastry, chocolate and other sweet sandwiches department. Where we rediscover apple juice and cider. In short, February, we like that. And precisely, to celebrate February 2, 2022 (02/02/2022, there will be 2 this year > It's a sign, we are convinced of it), we are offering you a list of 10 tips, more info to make your Chandeleur a success. Depending on tastes, colors, desires, once a year or every day, here is something to enter the category of apprentice master crepe maker!1 – Candlemas, did you say Candlemas?
< p>Before blowing up pancakes in your households, let's take a little history lesson on the origin of Candlemas. A Christian holiday, the word Candlemas comes from candles, lit 40 days after Christmas, February 2, to celebrate purity, light and ward off evil. The round shape of the pancakes represented the sun and the return of light since the beginning of February sounds the (visible) return of the days which lengthen. And why sauté the pancakes? To bring luck! The peasants were flipping a pancake with their right hand with a Louis d'or in their left hand. Perfectly received in the pan, the crepe was then placed on top of a cupboard to ensure a good wheat harvest. You can now shine in society!🥞 Gluttony level: 2/10 Are you starting to smell pancakes in your nostrils?
2 – THE traditional recipe
Gang, let’s go for THE recipe for the so-called French crêpes. Head to the region of Brittany, land of pancakes, for a successful snack.
For about 12 large pancakes: 250 g wheat flour / 50 g butter / 50 cl milk / 10 cl water / 4 large eggs / 2 tablespoons caster sugar / 1 pinch of salt
1 / In a bowl, mix the flour, sugar and salt2 / Pour in the milk then the water gradually while stirring with a whisk3/ Melt the butter then add it to the preparation. Add the eggs4 / Leave to rest for about 40 minutes in the fridgeAnd let's go!
🥞 Level of gluttony: 5/10 (it's the base of the base, you know. Let's keep calm.)
3 – The art of folding
We greatly underestimate the (infinite?) possibilities of presenting pancakes. And by presenting, we mean folding. In a cone, in a cigar, the garnish hidden or not, the options are multiple and the technique manageable. A little crush on the chaplain or how to impress yourself as the “best pastry chef ever”. I let you discover 8 other ways to fold here with our Breton friends.
🥞 Gluttony level: 6/10 if only for creativity and effort
4 – Pancakes or crepes, the duel
There is a debate! If the pancakes are 100% Frenchie, the pancakes are much more Montreal. The basic ingredients are basically the same yes. But everything depends on the quantities and the texture of the dough. So who is the crêpes forever team? Who from team pancakes baby?
👉 if some want to test a very simple recipe, tested and approved by the team, this is where it happens.
🥞 Gluttony level: 8/10 in both cases, it's good!
5 – Variety of toppings
Stop the supremacy of sugar pancakes and the famous spreadable pie made with hazelnuts. It's time to vary the pleasures and stimulate the taste buds. Of course, maple syrup remains a classic, but what if we swapped it for honey? Chocolate for chestnut cream? Add some fresh fruit on top? In short, there are many possibilities for a little novelty even if we swear by maple syrup. And if you lack ideas, here are some recipes that can inspire you.
🥞 Gluttony level: 10/10 of course
6 – Flavoring your pancakes: the lightness tip
If you are more on the less sugar side for whatever reason (no judgment whatsoever), no need to write a cross on pancakes. Just test a variant that will still have taste and will please your stomach and heart. The idea? Add flavorings to the dough: vanilla extracts, orange blossom, rum (more classic and in moderation), citrus zest or even a few centiliters of orange juice in the dough. Gourmet result guaranteed.
🥞 Level of gluttony: 7/10 pleasure above all
7 – When it's gone, there's still some
Creativity in the kitchen has no limit even when it comes to the simplest recipes like pancakes. So if you're the impatient type between cooking each pancake, why not try the pancake cake? Or the chocolate soufflé pancake? Curious ? Instead, look here for ideas for a Candlemas off the beaten track.
🥞 Level of gluttony: 8/10 ode to pancakes in all their forms
8 – Getting hands-on
Literally. Exit the manual whip, electric and other robot. Your best utensil is your hand. It's not us who say it but a master crepe maker (yep, it exists) who explains why in this little video.
🥞 Level of gluttony: 6/10 place for technique above all
9 – Buckwheat, the salty version
If we push the pancake cult all the way, buckwheat flour is in pole position. And above all, the big sister of the wheat crêpe (back to the top of the article if you missed the info). With a more pronounced taste than so-called white flours, buckwheat flour brings a real plus in your savory recipes in particular. But it can of course be used for sweets if you are more fond of it.
For about 12 pancakes: 330g buckwheat flour / 750ml water / 10g salt / 1 egg
1/ In a bowl, pour the flour into a well in a bowl and add the salt2/ Gradually pour in the water while stirring until you obtain a smooth and thick paste3/ Add the egg for a nice brown colour. cooking.
🥞 Gluttony level: 9/10 (we like buckwheat pancakes!)
10 – And with that, what do we drink?
And yes, or in the middle of all this dough, it would be good to think about hydration, some less drink a little. If you want to feel 100% in Brittany, a bowl of cider (or two, always in moderation les Ratons). Thank God, Quebec is the kingdom of cider and apples. But you can also invite other bubbles to your table: crémant or even champagne (let's be crazy... in moderation). For an alcohol-free option, why not try flavored waters, a good black tea or a sweet apple juice? It's up to you to see what will make you salivate the most.
🥞 Gluttony level: 7/10 of water is very good too!
With these different tips, you can enjoy a Chandeleur 2022 with great fanfare. And you, is Candlemas the number one occasion for making pancakes or are you hot from the pan all year round? Happy Candlemas Raccoons!
