The Chandeleur, celebrated on February 2, 2025, is synonymous with eating pancakes, marking the return of light and the approach of spring. This cherished French tradition is intertwined with various rituals from both pagan and Christian origins. Many families uphold the age-old custom of making and enjoying pancakes together, symbolizing the sun and renewal.
Chef Loïc Van Impe shares his simple pancake recipe: "Ma recette est assez simple. Il vous faudra 6 œufs, 1 litre de lait et 500 grammes de farine : c'est facile à retenir !" This straightforward combination captures the essence of Chandeleur for many, as they recreate childhood memories of delicious homemade pancakes.
But how can you avoid the common pitfall of the first pancake turning out poorly? According to Van Impe, preparation is key. After mixing the ingredients, it's important to let the batter rest. "The time of rest allows the flour to hydrate properly, resulting in thin and flavorful pancakes every time," he explains. Ideally, he recommends refrigerate the batter for at least 30 minutes or, even more effectively, for preparing it the night before.
Cooking pancakes can be intimidating, especially with the worry about ruining the first one. Van Impe advises, "Before pouring the batter, make sure your pan is properly preheated and non-stick." Just as necessary is the touch of butter for flavor. When the edges begin to lift, it’s time to flip them with either a spatula or by tossing the pancake high—if courage permits! For those craving something beyond the classic sugar-dusted or Nutella-covered pancakes, Van Impe offers innovative ideas, including variations using apples, all detailed in his book "31' de folie en cuisine!"
On the lighter side, this year’s Chandeleur brings a surge of healthier pancake recipes to the table, ensuring you can indulge without compromising health goals. A recent article highlighted 15 original and lighter pancake recipes, showcasing combinations like pancakes made with oatmeal bran or coconut milk, which come highly recommended. Recipes for vibrant, airy pancakes incorporating citrus zest or light pizza pancakes with sausage and cheese are also suggested to awaken your palate.
Among the intriguing adaptations, using sparkling water instead of milk has captured attention. Chef Cyril Lignac, speaking on RTL, shared his surprising twist: “Dans sa pâte à crêpes, ma mère enlevait toujours un peu de lait qu’elle remplaçait par de l’eau.” By substituting 20% of milk with water, pancakes can become lighter and less greasy. Lignac provides clear advice on pancake preparation: mix flour, sugar, and salt before adding eggs, oil, and any needed liquid. He also emphasizes the importance of letting your batter rest briefly before starting to cook.
To avoid pancakes drying out quickly, Lignac provided essentials: "Pour que vos crêpes restent bien moelleuses, empilez-les dans une assiette et recouvrez-les immédiatement avec un film alimentaire ou du papier aluminium." By covering stacked pancakes, steam traps moisture, keeping them fresh and fluffy. This way, the beautiful tradition of enjoying pancakes during Chandeleur remains unblemished.
Historically, there are myths surrounding ingredients, such as the use of beer to make the batter rise. Unlike yeast-risen baked goods like brioche or bread, pancakes do not rise, so this inclusion is unnecessary. Instead, success is grounded on selecting high-quality ingredients: fresh eggs, whole milk, and authentic butter, especially demi-sel for Breton pancakes. For those still curious about the classic pancake formula, it typically comprises 10 eggs and 2 liters of milk per kilo of flour, ensuring delectable results every time.
Once the batter rests, it's time to pour it onto the heated pan, previously lightly coated with melted butter. The goal is to create thin, evenly cooked pancakes. Midway through cooking, flipping each pancake guarantees excellent, uniform results. Afterward, it’s time for the greatest pleasure: optional toppings, from sweet ingredients like powdered sugar and fresh fruit to savory options. Pancakes can transform from humble beginnings to gourmet creations, reflecting individual tastes and culinary creativity.
So, as the culture of Chandeleur celebrates pancake making this year, it’s about more than creating delicious treats—it’s about preserving cherished traditions and passing down recipes. Whether you lean toward classic or opt for something unique and healthier, the joy remains as vibrant and warm as the golden pancakes themselves.