Recipes: Crepes

Makes about 8 to 12 crêpes.

Note: You can make this batter a day ahead and hold it in the refrigerator, covered, overnight. To store the cooked crêpes, keep them layered between the parchment paper and slip into large zip-top plastic storage bags. When ready to enjoy, rewarm them individually in a dry skillet or microwave before filling. From Beth Dooley.

• 2 eggs

• 6 tbsp. (3/8 c.) all-purpose flour

• Scant pinch salt

• 1/2 c. whole milk

• Unsalted butter for greasing the pan

In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, flour and salt until smooth. Whisk in the milk. You should have a batter that is the consistency of melted ice cream — if it's too thick, add a little more milk, a tablespoon at a time.

Set a dry crêpe pan or flat skillet over medium-high heat. When it's hot, rub the surface with enough butter to generously coat the pan. Pour about 2 tablespoons of batter into the pan, tilting so that it coats the bottom. Cook until bubbles appear on the surface and the crêpe appears set, about 6 to 10 seconds. Gently working along the edges with a long, thin spatula, loosen the crêpe and flip to just cook through, about 20 seconds. Remove to a plate. Cover with a sheet of parchment paper and continue to make the crêpes until you've finished the batter.

Nutrition information per 1/12 serving:

Calories38Fat2 gSodium27 mg

Carbohydrates4 gSaturated fat1 gCalcium16 mg

Diabetic exchanges per serving: ½ bread/starch, ½ fat.

Makes about 10 galettes.

Note: In this recipe the butter is slightly browned before adding to the batter; it enhances the buckwheat's nutty flavor. It's best to prepare the batter about 30 minutes before making the galettes. Or you may store the batter overnight, covered, in the refrigerator. The time helps the buckwheat "relax" and makes the batter easier to work with. From Beth Dooley.

• 2 tbsp. unsalted butter

• 3/4 c. buckwheat flour

• Generous pinch salt

• 1 1/2 c. whole milk

• 3 eggs

• Oil or butter for greasing the skillet

Directions

In a large bowl, whisk the flours and salt together.

In separate bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs and the brown butter. Stir the milk mixture into the flour and whisk until smooth; it should be the consistency of melted ice cream. If it's too dry and stiff, whisk in more milk, a tablespoon at a time. Refrigerate the batter, covered, for 30 minutes or overnight.

Set a crêpe pan or large flat skillet over medium-high heat and brush with oil or melted butter. Pour about ¼ cup batter into the skillet and tilt and rotate to coat the pan. Cook the galette until bubbles appear on top and it appears set, about 30 seconds to 1 minute. Loosen the edges with a long spatula and flip the galette (you may also need to use your fingers). Continue cooking until firm, about 30 seconds. Slip the galette onto a plate, cover with a sheet of parchment paper, and continue until all the galettes are cooked.

Nutrition information per serving:

Calories115Fat6 gSodium59 mg

Protein5 gCholesterol66 mgDietary fiber1 g

Diabetic exchanges per serving: 1 other carb, ½ medium-fat meat, ½ fat.

Makes 8.

Note: Here's a spin on the classic French dessert. Be sure to use the crêpes (not the buckwheat galettes). Fresh orange juice can be substituted for the blood-orange juice, and for extra tang, add a tablespoon or two or fresh lemon juice. From Beth Dooley.

• 2 tbsp. sugar

• 1/4 c. honey

• 1 c. fresh blood-orange juice

• 2 tbsp. unsalted butter

• 2/3 c. heavy cream

• 1 tbsp. powdered sugar

Directions

Heat the sugar and water in a skillet or sauté pan set over medium-high heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves and the mixture begins to boil. Let this cook, without stirring, until it becomes amber, about 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in the honey until blended and continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the color deepens, about 1 to 2 minutes more, keeping the heat low enough so that it doesn't boil over.

Remove the skillet and whisk in the juice, being careful as it will spatter. Return the skillet to the heat and simmer, stirring, until the mixture is smooth and thick, about 3 or so minutes. Stir in the butter. Cover and set aside.

Beat the cream until it forms soft peaks, about 2 to 3 minutes. Beat in the powdered sugar and the Grand Marnier until firm peaks form, about 1 to 2 more minutes.

Fold each of the crêpes in half and then in half again to make triangles. Arrange the crêpes in the skillet with the sauce and heat through so that they soak up the sauce, about 1 or 2 minutes. Transfer the crêpes to dessert plates and garnish with the whipped cream.

Calories150Fat9 gSodium8 mg

Carbohydrates17 gSaturated fat6 gCalcium19 mg

Protein1 gCholesterol30 mgDietary fiber0 g

Diabetic exchanges per serving: 1 other carb, 2 fat.

Makes 8.

• Unsalted butter for brushing the pan

• 8 galettes (see recipe)

• 8 eggs

• 1/2 lb. Gruyère cheese, grated

• 1/2 lb. shaved ham

• Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

Directions

Set the crêpe pan or skillet over medium heat and brush the surface lightly with butter. Working one at a time, return the galettes to the pan to warm through.

Crack an egg into the center of a galette. Sprinkle a little of the cheese around the egg yolk, arrange some of the ham on top and then arrange the spinach around the egg. Fold the corners of the galette in to make a square. Cover until the cheese melts and the egg is lightly cooked, about 30 seconds. Sprinkle with a little salt and pepper and serve immediately and repeat with the remaining ingredients.

Nutrition information per serving:

Carbohydrates13 gSaturated fat11 gCalcium398 mg

Protein26 gCholesterol300 mgDietary fiber2 g

Diabetic exchanges per serving: 1 bread/starch, 3 medium-fat meat, 1½ fat.

Fills 8 to 10 crêpes or galettes.

Note: This makes a lovely lunch, brunch or pretty first course. These can be assembled and held in the oven until ready to serve. From Beth Dooley.

• 4 ripe medium pears, peeled, cored and thinly sliced

•2 tsp. chopped fresh thyme

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

• 8 to 10 crêpes or galettes

• 1 1/2 c. tightly packed shredded aged manchego cheese

Preheat the oven to 200 degrees.

Heat the butter in a medium skillet set over medium-heat. Add the pears and sprinkle with the thyme and season with salt and pepper. Cook the pears, flipping them gently, until just tender about 2 minutes a side, then set aside.

Warm a crêpe pan or large flat skillet over medium-high heat. Lay a crêpe or galette in the pan to heat through, about 15 seconds. Flip and sprinkle the surface with a little of the cheese. Arrange several pear slices on one half of the crêpe, then fold the other half over the pears. Slide the galette or crêpe onto a serving plate and fold in half to make a loose triangle. Keep the crêpes warm in the oven while you repeat with the remaining ingredients. Serve immediately.

Nutrition information per serving:

Calories154Fat8 gSodium230 mg

Protein7 gCholesterol54 mgDietary fiber2 g