An Aebelskiver Christmas

My parents never cease to find new and interesting kitchen gifts for me. As an avid cooking gadget collector, I know it’s a challenge to find something I don’t have already have. But I’m easy to buy for since I’m always excited to make something new. A gift for the kitchen will never be left unopened, nor is it likely to be re-gifted! Last year I had a blast cooking on the Himalayan salt block my parents discovered and now this year, with the presentation of a specially indented Aebelskiver pan, assorted baking mixes and a cookbook on the subject, it’s Aebelskiver making time!

These Danish pancakes, round and plump, are a cross between a popover, a jelly doughnut and a pancake. My kids, who adored them at first try, thought they tasted more crepe like. And I think I’d have to agree. What I love most about them is their versatility, as you can fill them with whatever sweet or savory ingredient might please you. We taste tested the Aebelskivers with a two different fillings-chocolate from New York’s Russ and Daughter’s and a tart Scandinavian Lingonberry Jam.

They are simpler to make than they appear and once you get the hang of it, you’ll think twice before serving a plain old American style flapjack. Similar to a waffle batter, you fold egg whites into a simple batter of milk, flour and egg. You layer batter, then filling and a tad more batter to the molds and then when golden, carefully flip the pancakes with whatever sticks you have. For me, chopsticks did the trick but I understand knitting needles and skewers work just fine as well.

Served warm with a generous dusting of powdered sugar, the fillings ooze out on first bite. It’s a delicious, different and addictive experience. Sure, breakfast is a start, but I’m thinking I’ll serve them as an appetizer with a meat or cheese filling, a side in place of dinner rolls and of course, for dessert. Pocket foods (empanadas, dumplings and spring rolls) have always floated my boat so I am thrilled to have another multipurpose food to add to my repetoire. Whenever a food triggers creativity, I am instantly hooked!

For dessert I’m thinking of trying bananas and cinnamon, dulce de leche and peaches and cream in the summer.

Thanks Mom and Dad for another fun and different gift. If you’re looking for a post-holiday gift for someone, definitely check out Aebelskivers and send them to my blog for a testimonial!