The perfect french crepe

Let's be honest! We love food more than most of the things around us. It takes a good amount of our daily time, in the morning when we enjoy our cup of fresh coffee, late brunch with friends or evening when we go to bed thinking about what should we cook for us and our beloved ones tomorrow. Food is not just a source of filling for our bodies with energy these days, it became more of an artistic expression. Food is a comfort when we are stressed, need to cheer up our friends, and quality time with those who we love and care about.

We all have a dish that drives us crazy because it's so good we can't resist the temptation, no matter if we are lactose-free, sugar-free, on a diet to become healthier. Maybe it's something that reminds us of our childhood, family gatherings, a special person (who introduced it to us), an unforgettable holiday in crowded European cities.

Being a kid, I used to think that my mother was the best cook in the world. There's nothing she can't cook, as she is a fantastic cook. I still think so, it is as if she's some kind of a fairy chef. She taught me many useful things in life, but our cooking lessons were special for both of us. She used to work a lot, so my brother and I were responsible for the things in the house even when we were in primary school. When she was home, this was a special time for us. She spent time with us fulfilling our needs and engaging our curiosity. They were days of joy and complete happiness because she was so dedicated and patient with all our mistakes and occasional fights. In these special days I learned how to cook a proper Italian pasta AL Dente, fresh chicken soup, spring potatoes garnished with fresh green leaves, and of course, deserts. Every weekend, kids were meant to cook something for the whole family and name their own dish. I always chose to make a pudding, it didn't matter if it was a sour-cherry cake, fruits salad, brownies with ice-cream, it was always the most delightful part of the meal.

My absolute favourite treat is french crepes, or pancakes if you prefer, homemade, hot and buttery. Its soft and delicate surface, encloses the light, yellow and gold filling. Its thin and crusty edges look like old French lace. And the smell is sweet and salty, filled with notes of butter and cinnamon. I have never had a Birthday party, Christmas or other celebration without soft and creamy crepes.

It took me a while and a lot of wasted ingredients before I figured out how to make the perfect ones and got into the rhythm. Everything depends on the batter, if it's good enough, shiny and golden, it won't take long. Too thin and your batter will have no substance. Too thick and it will turn into an omelette. It takes a little time but it's worth it whenever I'm in the mood for a challenge or a special treat. It's perfect comfort food to enjoy with friends whilst having a coffee, tea, or a good glass of white wine. I have to say, my recipe for crepes is even better than my mother's (sorry mum).

Here it is, my baby, my proudest recipe ever! I'm very pleased to share it with you and give you some small hints on how to make it even more delicious, mouth-watering and aromatic pancakes. Sure many of you know and have an ideal recipe for the French crepe which must be delightful.

INGREDIENTS

• 3 eggs

• 2 egg yolks

• 70 g of coconut sugar (or brown sugar, it's up to you)

• 700 ml of milk

• 135 g of butter (unsalted)

• 160 g of flour ( I use a mixture of rice, buckwheat, all-purpose flour)

• 4 g of salt

• 2 tablespoons of rapeseed oil

* if you like different tastes, add some citrus zests: lemon, orange, lime, grapefruit ( it gives a natural fresh flavour). Also, can put cinnamon, turmeric, ginger, or even food colour. Why not! Let's make it fun!

SUGGESTIONS FOR TOPPINGS

• Vanilla ice cream with honey and pecan nuts

• Fruits: strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, mangoes. It's good to use seasonal fruits.

• Lemon and orange cream sauce

• Any types of jams

PREPARING THE BATTER

1. Place the eggs, egg yolks, and sugar in a large bowl. Use a whisk, immersion blender or electric mixer to combine and mix all the ingredients until you have a smooth mixture.

2. Meanwhile put the butter in a small pot and boil it until it stops singing, get a golden colour and has the scent of hazelnuts.

3. Add 200 ml of the milk in your eggs, mix it gently.

4. Add your flour to the mixture above, mix until completely smooth.

5. Pour the rest of your milk, which is 500 ml more.

6. Finally, the last but most important ingredient is melted butter.

COOKING

1. Heat the pan to medium heat. Brush the pan with oil.

* It doesn't really matter if you have a professional pan or just a normal round one because most of the people don't have one, so they just use one they have.

2. Pour half of a ladle of mixture into your pan. Cook the first side for about 1 minute or until the edges of the crepe start to get a golden or brown tone, checking it with a flat spatula for the right time to flip it. Slide the spatula gently underneath the crepe, flip it ( can use your hands ), and cook it on the other side for 15-20 seconds.

I know that the perfect pancake is the one you eat at the cooker, sprinkled with sugar or honey, eaten from your fingers while you cook the next one.