Electric Aebleskiver Maker

Do you aebleskiver? I meant to type do you love aebleskiver, but doesn't "do you aebleskiver?" sound more fun? Aebleskiver (ebleskiver, æbleskivr) are little breakfast treats from Denmark. They have to be made in a special aebleskiver pan that has little wells for you to pour a pancake like batter in, then using a fork or chop stick or knitting needle you gently turn the balls so they cook all the way around. Aebleskivers have gained popularity over the past few years because of the Pancake Puff Pan which is pretty much a traditional aebleskiver pan that was sold through infomercials or "As Seen On TV" stores. If your kids saw this ad, they would want pancake puffs, and you might want them too, how could anyone resist these cute little balls of pancakey goodness? Skilled aebleskiver makers can add a filling, usually a jam, to their aebleskiver, or you can just do like most people and split them open while warm and add a dolop of jam right in the middle.



I love my electric aebleskiver pan and it is so easy to use, but I have to admit I still have not perfected turning the puffs 100% -- when the kids ask me to get it out and make 'pancake puffs' I happily oblige but am still a little nervous about the turning. I think it takes a Danish grandmother to do these perfectly, but that doesn't keep me from trying :)

Here is a recipe I recently tried from the Better Homes and Gardens Pancakes and Toppings cookbook, which says: Aebleskiver are cooked in a special 7-cup pan found in gourmet cookware shops. When cooking these round pancakes, keep in mind that practice makes perfect.

Danish Aebleskiver

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 tablespoon granulated sugar

2 teaspoons baking powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 cup milk

2 egg yolks

2 egg whites

Cooking oil (about 3 tablespoons)

Jam, jelly, honey, syrup, or applesauce (optional)

Sifted powdered sugar (optional)

1. In a mixing bowl combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. In another mixing bowl stir together milk and egg yolks until well combined. Add to flour mixture. Stir until smooth.

2. In a small bowl beat egg whites with an electric mixer on high speed until stiff peaks form (tips stand straight). Gently fold beaten egg whites into batter, leaving a few puffs of egg white. Do not overmix.

3. Place an aelbleskiver pan over medium heat (or use an electric one like I do, there are no temperature settings, just plug it in and it's on) lightly brush each cup with oil.

When the oil sizzles use about 2 tablespoons of the batter to fill each cup 2/3 full.

Cook for 1 to 2 minutes. As a thin shell forms, use a fork or wooden toothpick to gently invert the cooked portion and allow the uncooked portion to flow into the cup.

Invert each aebleskiver and cook until all shells are set and sides are sealed.

Continue rotating and cooking until they are evenly golden brown and a wooden toothpick inserted in their centers comes out clean.

4. Use a fork or wooden toothpick to transfer each aebleskiver to a plate. Serve immediately or keep warm in a loosely covered ovenproof dish in a 300 degree oven. If desired serve with jam, jelly, honey, syrup, or applesauce and sprinkle with powdered sugar. Makes 30 aebleskiver.

See you tomorrow for Tuesdays with Dorie!