Baking Central: Blueberries add big flavor to Baby Dutch Babies

When we've barely had our coffee, we can't take too much drama.

But we still want a great breakfast.

We love those puffed pancakes, whether you call them Dutch Babies or German Puffs or Pannekoeken or Those Really Good Things That Collapse.

They swell solely on the power of eggs and high heat and usually are made in a large cast-iron skillet, emerging from the oven fantastically puffy before deflating to a more pancake-like appearance.

The sight always offers delighting, if fleeting, drama, but also a wish that the ratio of eggy interior to crisp outer shell could be improved.

Turns out it can — by making individual puffs in muffin tins. Call them Baby Dutch Babies.

We used two muffin tins to make a dozen puffs, placing the batter in every other cup to make room for the puffiest puffs possible. But they also can be made in one pan; they'll just be a little crowded.

In the 20 minutes that the puffs are in the oven, you can put the finishing touches on your meal, then assemble your brunch guests or your fortunate family for the grand reveal. The lofty puffs that you pull from the oven will begin to deflate almost at once, which is the whole idea.

Blueberries are at their peak right now. But if you're of a more savory persuasion, experiment with other fillings. A Denver-style mix of finely diced and sauteed ham, onions and peppers would be delicious (just nix the cinnamon in the recipe), or maybe a Southern sausage-and-gravy filling would fill the bill.

Whatever you choose for your morning meal, you'll be ready for whatever drama the day yet holds.

Makes 12.

Note: Serve these with a dollop of yogurt, or shower them with powdered sugar. If you don't have two muffin pans, you can make these in one; they'll just get a little crowded. Nonstick pans work best. From Kim Ode.

• 4 eggs

• 1 c. milk

• 1 tsp. vanilla

• 1/2 tsp. salt

• Pinch of ground cinnamon or nutmeg, optional

Directions

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, eggs, milk, vanilla and salt until smooth. Add cinnamon or nutmeg, if desired. Set aside to rest for 10 minutes. (This lets the flour fully absorb the milk and eggs.)

Cut each tablespoon of butter into 6 equal pieces (equal to 1/2 teaspoon) and place a piece in 6 of the 12 muffin cups, spacing them in every other cup; repeat with the second pan. Place pans in the oven until the butter melts, about 1 minute.

Measure 1/4 cup of batter into each buttered cup.

Once out of the oven, the puffs will immediately begin to deflate, forming a cup for the blueberry compote. Run a knife around the edges to remove, then fill and serve immediately.

Nutrition information per serving with compote:

Calories115Fat4 gSodium130 mg

Carbohydrates15 gSaturated fat2 gTotal sugars6 mg

Protein4 gCholesterol70 mgDietary fiber1 g

Makes about 1 1/2 cups.

Note: From Kim Ode.

• 2 c. fresh or frozen blueberries, divided

• 3 tbsp. water

• 2 tbsp. sugar

Directions

In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup blueberries, 3 tablespoons water, sugar and lemon zest or juice.

Cook over medium heat for about 10 minutes, stirring frequently, until the berries start to break down. Add remaining blueberries and cook for 5 more minutes. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Kim Ode • 612-673-7185