She Strengthens

Rise and Shine: The Versatile Dutch Puff

A Brief History

The Dutch puff, also known as the Dutch baby, has its roots in the German community in America, where “Dutch” is actually a corruption of the word “Deutsche.” This sweet treat gained popularity in 1940s Seattle, becoming a diner classic. But, if you’re familiar with Yorkshire puddings and roast beef, you might find it unusual to enjoy these sweet treats for breakfast. Fear not, dear reader, for this pancake is as versatile as any other!

Breaking Tradition

Forget the norms and indulge in this sweet delight! I recommend using beef dripping for an added smoky flavor, but any flavorless oil will do. Serve with your favorite coffee and get ready to start your day off right.

Recipe

Yield: 2 pancakes
Difficulty: Medium

Ingredients:

• 6 rashers of bacon
• 1 cup all-purpose flour (strong bread flour works too)
• 2 tsp superfine sugar
• ½ tsp salt
• ⅔ cup milk
• 3 eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 tbsp beef drippings or oil
• Blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, and/or red currants
• Maple syrup
• Powdered sugar

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Bacon

Preheat your oven to 425°F. Fry the bacon until crispy and drain on paper towels. Once cooled, crumble into pieces of various sizes for a delicious topping.

Step 2: Mix the Batter

In a bowl, whisk together the flour, superfine sugar, and salt. In a separate bowl, measure out the milk and add the eggs and vanilla extract. Beat until smooth, then add to the flour mixture and whisk until you have a smooth batter. Set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Skillets

Place two cast-iron skillets on a baking sheet or sturdy tray and add a spoon of the dripping or oil to each. Place them on the middle shelf of your oven with space above for your babies to grow.

Step 4: Pour and Bake

Transfer the batter into a measuring jug for easier pouring. After about 15 minutes in the oven, the oil should be smoking hot. Quickly and carefully, split the batter between the two pans. Bake for 10-12 minutes without opening the oven door.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Your puff should look like a huge cloud of batter with crispy golden edges. Serve with your choice of soft fruits, crispy bacon pieces, maple syrup, and a dusting of powdered sugar. Try it with ice cream for an extra-special treat!

Top Tip: Ensure your ingredients are at room temperature before cooking to guarantee a successful rise. Remove them from the fridge at least an hour before cooking, or even the night before. Heat is crucial, so don’t skip this step!