Crêpes Cake Food

A VERY DRAMATIC CRêPE CAKE

Steps:

• Combine the cake flour, sugar, eggs, milk, melted butter, orange zest, salt, and orange liqueur (if using) in a blender on low speed for 10 seconds. Increase the speed to medium for 10 seconds, then stop the blender and use a spatula to scrape down the sides and bottom. Blend on medium speed an additional 10 seconds. Let the batter rest, covered, at room temperature for 1 hour or in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
• Heat a 9- or 10-inch nonstick skillet over medium-low heat. When the skillet is hot, brush it lightly with melted butter. (You'll know the skillet is hot enough because the butter will sizzle and dance around the skillet.)
• Measure a scant ¼ cup of batter in the center of the skillet. Pick up the skillet by the handle and swirl in a circular motion so that the batter coats the bottom in an even layer, avoiding hitting the sides of the skillet (the batter will start to set immediately, so swirl quickly). It's okay if there are a few spots that the batter doesn't get to before it sets-just leave it be.
• Cook until the crêpe starts to brown around the edges and the bottom side is set, about 90 seconds. Use a spatula to loosen the edges, following the circumference of the crêpe. Then, carefully slide the spatula under the crêpe and flip. (If you're having a hard time flipping, let the crêpe cook a little longer.) It's okay if the crêpe folds on itself as you flip-just straighten it out.
• Cook on the other side until the crêpe is golden, about 60 seconds. Shake the skillet back and forth, then slide the crêpe out of the skillet onto a plate. Keep cooking and stacking, one crêpe on top of the next, adding more butter to the pan as needed. Continue until all the crêpes are cooked. (If you notice the crêpes getting darker and crisper as you cook, turn the heat down a notch.)
• Place 2 cups of the heavy cream in the bowl of a stand mixer or large bowl (if using a hand mixer). Whip on medium until soft peaks form, about 6 minutes. Fold the whipped cream into the cheat pastry cream until combined and smooth.
• Place a single crêpe on a cake plate or cake board. Measure a scant ¹⁄³ cup of the filling onto the crêpe and use a small, offset spatula or a butter knife to smooth it into an even layer. Place the next crêpe on top and continue layering until you are out of filling (you will have several crêpes left over, which are perfect for snacking while the cake chills).
• Wrap the cake in plastic and refrigerate for at least 6 hours so the filling can set.
• When ready to serve, whip the remaining ½ cup heavy cream in the bowl of the stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment until medium-stiff peaks form. Dollop the whipped cream on top of the cake. Slice and serve like a traditional layered cake.

STRAWBERRY LEMON CREPE CAKE

Steps:

• For the lemon curd: Whisk together the lemon zest, lemon juice, granulated sugar, salt and eggs in a medium heatproof bowl. Place the mixture over a pot of gently simmering water. Whisk frequently, until the curd coats the back of a spoon, about 10 minutes. Whisk in the butter a pat at a time. Remove from heat, stir in the almond extract and white chocolate until melted. Cover the surface of the curd with plastic and transfer to the fridge to cool completely.
• Meanwhile, for the crepes: Combine the buttermilk, water, eggs, lemon zest, 2 teaspoons of vanilla, almond extract, melted butter, granulated sugar and salt in a blender and blitz to combine. Add the flour and blitz again until smooth. Set the crepe batter in the fridge for at least 30 minutes or up to 24 hours to rest.
• Once the batter has rested, heat a 9-inch nonstick skillet over medium heat. Pour about 1/3 cup of batter into the pan and quickly swirl the batter around so that it coats the bottom of the pan. Allow the crepe to cook for about 30 seconds to 1 minute on the first side, flip and cook for another 15 to 30 seconds, or until lightly golden. Transfer the crepe to a baking pan and continue with the remaining batter, adding a small amount of butter to the pan between crepes if they're sticking. Allow the crepes to cool to room temperature.
• Meanwhile, beat the cream cheese and powdered sugar in a large bowl with a hand mixer. Add in remaining 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and gradually beat in the cream. Whip on high until stiff.
• To assemble, lay one of the crepes onto a serving plate and add a heaping 1/4 cup of cream mixture onto the crepe and spread evenly. Top with another crepe and spread with 2 to 3 tablespoons of lemon curd. Continue layering, alternating fillings, until all of the crepes are used. Wrap the cake with plastic wrap and transfer the cake, as well as any remaining cream and curd, to the fridge for at least 1 hour or up to two days to set up.
• When ready to serve, peel away the plastic and dollop, spread or pipe the remaining cream and/or curd overtop and decorate with halved strawberries and toasted almonds.

CREPES

Steps:

• In a blender, combine all of the ingredients and pulse for 10 seconds. Place the crepe batter in the refrigerator for 1 hour. This allows the bubbles to subside so the crepes will be less likely to tear during cooking. The batter will keep for up to 48 hours.
• Heat a small non-stick pan. Add butter to coat. Pour 1 ounce of batter into the center of the pan and swirl to spread evenly. Cook for 30 seconds and flip. Cook for another 10 seconds and remove to the cutting board. Lay them out flat so they can cool. Continue until all batter is gone. After they have cooled you can stack them and store in sealable plastic bags in the refrigerator for several days or in the freezer for up to two months. When using frozen crepes, thaw on a rack before gently peeling apart.

CREPES

Steps:

• Combine flour, milk, eggs, and oil.
• Add salt.
• Heat a lightly greased 6 inch skillet; remove from heat.
• Spoon in 2 Tbsp batter; lift and tilt skillet to spread evenly.
• Return to heat; brown on one side only.
• To remove, invert pan over paper toweling.
• Repeat with remaining batter.
• Fill with your favorite filling.
• Here's a few we like: Any flavor fruit jam, sweetened fresh peaches, cream cheese and pineapple, ham and maple syrup.
• Endless ideas.

BASIC CREPES

Steps:

• In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and the eggs. Gradually add in the milk and water, stirring to combine. Add the salt and butter; beat until smooth.
• Heat a lightly oiled griddle or frying pan over medium high heat. Pour or scoop the batter onto the griddle, using approximately 1/4 cup for each crepe. Tilt the pan with a circular motion so that the batter coats the surface evenly.
• Cook the crepe for about 2 minutes, until the bottom is light brown. Loosen with a spatula, turn and cook the other side. Serve hot.