Chocolate Crêpes

Crêpes can be eaten for breakfast or dessert...or anywhere in between. And with Valentine's Day rapidly approaching, it would make a great Valentine's Day brunch item, with strawberries or raspberries as a garnish...and maybe a dab of whipped cream...and a splash of chocolate sauce. I'm getting hungry again just thinking about 'em. I'll have to find a brunch date in the next month so I can have an excuse to try them again!

I used to be nervous about making crêpes because it took me the longest time to perfect making flawless pancakes. And what is a crêpe? A very delicate pancake with a savory or sweet filling or topping. You can wrap them around chicken, seafood, spinach, mushrooms...or you can sweeten them with chocolate, jams, fruit or powdered sugar. Or how about all of the above? So of course I went the sweet route, carmelized pears in some rum and sugar and added chocolate, whipped cream and powdered sugar.

Contrary to popular belief, you don't need a special pan to make them in. A non-stick skillet will do just fine. Have a little fun with them - roll them up, fold them over, do your thing. But, be prepared to toss at least two or three of them until you get the hang of preparing them.  Don't worry...you are not alone!

Chocolate Crêpes

3/4 c AP flour
1/4 c unsweetened cocoa powder
3 large eggs
1 1/2 tbsp melted butter
2 tbsp sugar
pinch of salt
1 c whole milk
1 tsp vanilla
1 tbsp Grand Marnier

Sift the flour and cocoa into a mixing bowl. Add eggs, salt, sugar, and butter and mix to a smooth paste. Gradually add the milk and the flavorings. Let dough rest for an hour in the fridge. Whisk the batter again before cooking.

Butter a skillet or crêpe pan, then wipe out the excess butter so the pan is fairly dry. Pour or ladle a small amount of crêpe batter and tilt the pan as needed so the batter spreads and covers the entire bottom of the pan. Cook for 1-2 minutes. Flip the crêpe with a spatula to cook the other side, about 30 seconds.

The batter usually makes 8-10 crêpes, depending on how thin you prepare them.


All photographs are actual pictures of the recipe listed, prepared by Virtually Everything Sweet, and cannot be used without the owner’s consent.