Dutch Baby – Pannekoeken

This Dutch Baby, or Pannekoeken is one of my favorite breakfast dishes.  I learned how to make these while I was in Amsterdam a few years back.  They can be served sweet with Lemon and powdered sugar, or savory with ham and cheese.  You can also drizzle Maple syrup or any Jam or preserve you desire.  Usually one of these giant pancakes will feed two people unless you have a huge appetite.  They are really simple to make and present really well.

INGREDIENTS: For 1 Dutch Baby

1/2 Cup of Milk

1/2 Cup of all purpose flour

2 to 3 Tablespoons of unsalted butter

2 Whole eggs

1 Tablespoon Sugar

1 Pinch of Nutmeg

1 Pinch of Salt

1 Tablespoon of Lemon Zest

Half a Lemon

Powdered Sugar (To Sprinkle on top)

ALTERNATE: Savory Dutch Baby

Same as above but add:

1/2 Cup of Grated Cheese – Swiss, cheddar, Mozzarella, Montery Jack will do

1 Slice of ham – cubed/diced or two slices of thin ham

TOOLS:

Measuring cup

Mixing Bowl

Whisk

Zester or Microplane

Pyrex Glass Pie Pan or Oven Proof 9″ Skillet

Instructions:

Get all items ready, measuring cups, pie pan, etc.  Pre-heat the oven to 425f

Beat two whole eggs

1/2 Half cup of Milk

1/2 Cup of Flour

1 Teaspoon of Sugar

Fresh Grated Lemon Zest

Pinch of Salt  (note:  These big hands do not belong to me, they are my husbands’).

Add a pinch of Nutmeg.

Place all ingredients into a mixing bowl.

Place the 2 tablespoons of butter into the pan, and let melt in the pre-heated oven

Mix all ingredients well.

Remove pan with melted butter and pour the batter into the pan.

Return to the oven.

Set timer to 18 min.  (Make sure to check it at 15 minutes., sometimes the full 18 minutes can be too much) .

It’s done when the outside is nicely golden browned.

Remove from the oven.

Squeeze fresh lemon juice all over.

Dust with powdered sugar and serve.

Finished and ready to eat…..

The Kids can’t get enough.

Really can’t get enough.

NOW FOR THE SAVORY ALTERNATE:

Make the batter the same as above.

Add sliced ham.

Add a 1/2 cup of grated cheese.

Add both to the batter.

The Savory version goes into the oven for the same 18 minutes.

The finished version is perfectly cheesy.  Enjoy!