My City September 2022

MYDISH

It’s Just Delightful! BY ERIN CAUDELL

Dutch Baby Ingredients (sweet version) • 6 large eggs, room temperature • 1 cup milk, room temperature • 1 cup all-purpose our • 5 tablespoons butter • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

I don’t know how I made it this far in life without knowing what a Dutch Baby is. I’ve certainly never heard it called a “hootenanny” until I checked for some history about it while writing this column. But whether you know it as a German pancake or either of the above monikers, you need to make one – because it’s just delightful! Essentially a bigger version of a popover, the Dutch Baby can be made sweet or savory. As it bakes, the sides rise above the edges of the skillet to create a golden, pu y crust with a tender, eggy middle. And since it’s cooked in the oven, there’s no standing over a hot stove while you make a bunch of them for everyone else and then get to eat cold pancakes. Why have I fallen in love with this oddly named dish? Its custardy center and crispy edges are amazing and delectable. It’s guaranteed to be impressive when you set it on the table, yet so simple to make.

*FOR A SAVORY PANCAKE, ADD A HALF TEASPOON OF SALT AND SUBSTITUTE YOUR FAVORITE HERBS SUCH AS THYME OR BASIL AND OR GRATED PARMESAN CHEESE FOR THE VANILLA EXTRACT AND CINNAMON. Ideas for Toppings Sweet • Fresh fruit • Maple syrup • Jam • Whipped cream • Chocolate shavings Savory • Runny egg • Bacon crumbles • Roasted tomatoes • Pickled onions • Feta cheese To Make While preheating to 450°F, warm a cast iron skillet in the center of the oven. Break the eggs into a bowl and whisk until frothy. Add the rest of the ingredients and whisk for ve more minutes. When hot, carefully bring the skillet out of the oven and drop in the butter. When butter is melted, immediately pour the batter in and return the skillet to the oven for 20-25 minutes until the pancake is pu y and golden brown. (DO NOT open the oven during the rst 15 minutes of cooking or you might de ate your pancake!) When you re move it from the oven, the pu will de ate and leave a “well” to put your toppings directly into, or you can cut individual slices for everyone to top on their own. ®

Erin Caudell is co-owner of The Local Grocer, a horticulturalist, herbalist and farmer.

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