It's "Pancake Day" today; and not to be left out, or left behind, I've thrown together my own surprise in support of the simple and versatile "Flapjack"
Whether you're having "Silver Dollars" stacked to the sky or bigger then the plate sized monstrosities filled with chocolate chips (like my favorites at Red's in Salem), the Pancake rarely disappoints...
From fluffy buttermilk to healthy whole grain, gluten free to southern "Hoe Cakes"—there are just so many styles, flavors, fillings and toppings to choose from...
So whether you're having them for Breakfast or "Brinner" (breakfast for dinner) there'll always be a pancake to fit the occasion...
"Nutella Crepe Cake" with "Chocolate Ganache"
Ingredients:
1 cup plain flour
1 tablespoon powdered sugar
1 cup milk
1 cup water
3 eggs
1 1/2 teaspoons Vanilla extract
1 1/2 tablespoons butter, melted
3/4 cup Nutella, softened
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup of 70% dark chocolate, melted
2 tbsp coconut oil
Directions:
1. Combine the flour, sugar and salt in a bowl and stir to combine...
2. In a large bowl whisk together the milk, water, eggs and vanilla and add to the dry ingredients. Whisk until smooth and then add the melted butter to the batter and stirring it in then set aside...
3. Heat an 8 inch pan on a medium-high heat and add a little oil to coat...
4. Take a 1/4 cup of batter and pour into the hot pan. Swirl around tilting the pan to evenly cover it in a thin pancake and then cook for 1 min or until the top is no longer wet...
5. Use a spatula to gently lift the edge enough to grasp with your fingers; then using both hands, gently flip the crepe to the other side and cook for 30 seconds more. (I find this easier then flipping like you see on TV, just be gentle to avoid tearing)
6. Repeat with the remaining batter ensuring you keep your pan oiled between crepes. You should end up with about 20 crepes. (You can use wax paper or linen towels to stack crepes on top of each other without them sticking)
7. Allow them to cool completely before putting together the cake...
8. Now, if necessary, soften the Nutella in the microwave for a few seconds through. Meanwhile, using a hand mixer with whisk attachment, add cold heavy cream to a bowl and whisk until peaks form and you've created a nice whipped cream—now fold the Nutella into the whipped cream until just incorporated...
9. Finally it's time to make the cake; start by spreading 2 tbsp of Nutella cream between each crepe, stacking them as you go. (You can use a spring-form pan to help keep them centered if you want)
10. Finish the cake by melting the chocolate with the coconut oil and pouring it over the top. Garnish with a little grated chocolate or cocoa powder before serving...