Basic Crepe Recipe: Master the Art of Making Perfect Thin Crepes at Home

If, like millions of people in the world, you too are a fan of fabulous crepes, then this basic crepe recipe is perfect for you. It will help you make crepes that are wafer-thin vehicles for any filling that your heart fancies. This means, whether you like savory crepes or the sweet versions, once you learn the ropes of making crepes well, you can make all kinds of crepes.

It's almost always the perfect food for a quick and filling snack; its thin texture and malleability ensure you can make healthy parcels with slices of fruits, sauteed veggies or meats.

To achieve perfect crepes at home, you will need technique, patience, and practice. In this recipe, you are going to be introduced to exquisitely thin crepes that will surely impress your family and friends.

Basic Crepes:

Ingredients:

• 501 ml milk
• 252 ml water
• 3 eggs
• 62 gm sugar
• A pinch of salt
• 121 gm flour
• 22 gm butter
• 2 tsp vanilla extract

Method:

1. In a blender, combine milk, water, eggs, sugar, and salt, and blend on medium speed for 10 seconds until the mixture is smooth and well-mixed.
2. Add flour, and blend for another 10 seconds, ensuring that all lumps are removed and it has a smooth consistency.
3. Then, add melted butter and vanilla extract, and blend at the same speed for 5 seconds.
4. After this, you will pour the batter into a bowl and let it rest at room temperature for 30 minutes. This is an important step which will give you the tender texture of the crepe.
5. Next, you have to place a non-stick pan over medium heat.
6. Once the pan is hot, you have to add about 60 ml of the batter to the pan, and tilt it so that the batter slides evenly to all corners of the pan. This will help you to get the right thickness and shape.
7. You need to cook the crepe for about 1-2 minutes.
8. Once the edges start curling and the surface appears dry, you must loosen the crepe with a spatula, and carefully flip it over.
9. Continue cooking for another 30 seconds to 1 minute until it is delicately golden.
10. Repeat this process, stirring and turning the heat up or down as necessary until all your batter is used up.
11. You need to stack your crepes on a wire rack or plate, separated by parchment paper so they don't stick to one another.
12. Before serving, you can garnish with any topping of your choice.

Cooking tips to get perfectly thin crepes every time

In order to make the best crepes, you should use ingredients at room temperature so that your batter is smooth and even. You must also whisk your batter well before resting so there are no lumps. Adjust the heat according to what works best on your stovetop, and make sure that the heat is gentle and even. You must take care to not overfill the pan because the aim is to make thin crepes. You can store leftover crepes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze them for up to 2 months. In case you end up with a thick crepe batter, you can either increase the heat or add a little more milk. However, if your crepes are very fragile, add more flour to the batter or cook them a little longer.

Tips and suggestions for serving and garnishing

If you have a prominent sweet tooth, you can add 1-2 tbsps of sugar or honey to the batter for a sweeter crepe. If you want to go gluten-free, then you can use a gluten-free flour blend in place of the regular all-purpose flour.

As for fillings, the choices are limitless – from the refreshing fresh fruit and whipped cream, to dark chocolate and banana, you can select pretty much any filling of your liking. If you are hosting a party, a great way to cut down on the prep time before the event is making the crepes in advance and having a tray with an array of fresh fruits, nuts and chocolates, as well egg or chicken salad fillings so that your guests can fill their crepes with any stuffing of their choice.

You can use fresh herbs or edible flowers as garnish or top with a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of powdered sugar.

You are now ready to make great, thin crepes at home using the recipe along with the tips and advice. As with anything, there is trial and error involved, but do not be discouraged if you don't get it right the first time. You will get the hang of making crepes if you stick at it.