Waffles from America, pancake rolls from China, galettes from France, blinis from Russia - every country has their own version of the pancake. Whatever they are called and whatever the variation in ingredients, pancakes are a popular food the world over. Pancakes can have the lightest of dressings, such as the lemon, butter and cognac in the famous crepes Suzette or be layered with a meat sauce to make a substantial supper dish. With a range of basic recipes for pancakes, waffles and crepes made from buckwheat, buttermilk or potato and a superb and diverse collection of sauces and stuffings, such as Apple, pecan and maple syrup, Ratatouille, Pumpkin, raisin and nutmeg, Lemon and golden raisins and Bacon and poached egg, this is the ultimate recipe book for pancake lovers everywhere.
Review
Most readers won't need to be convinced that sweet crepes, waffles and pancakes are delicious for breakfast or dessert, but this collection of recipes also makes a compelling argument for savory versions of these batter-based delights. The book begins with a brief history of pancakes around the world, and continues with an overview of the basics (add extra eggs and melted butter to pancake batter to make crepes, and a rising agent to make waffles), including variations on the main ingredients—flour, a liquid (usually milk), eggs—and how readers can change the taste by varying the type of flour (e.g., buckwheat, chickpea, gluten–free, etc.). Divided into breakfast, main meals (which encompass lunches and dinners), desserts, snacks and accompaniments, the recipes range from hearty (Breakfast Waffle Sandwich) to sweet (Oatmeal Pancakes with Raspberries) and salty sweet (Deep-Pan Bacon and Apple Pancakes). Hawkins, a cookbook author from Scotland, also offers such unusual fare as Chicken and Mushroom Pancake "Pasta" (where the pancakes, which are made from buckwheat batter, are sliced into thin strips). Color photos. Publishers Weekly
Author Biography
Kathryn Hawkins is an experienced cookery writer and food stylist. She has worked on several women's magazines written a number of books. Kathryn is currently setting up a cookery school at her home in Scotland, where she plans to run residential and one-day culinary workshops.
