Monday, February 23, 2009

German Pancakes - Memories on a plate

My blog has a new feature! Scroll down to the bottom of this posting for a printable version of this recipe!

A few days ago, my son reminded me how much he misses his grandmother, and how he associates German "pfannkuchen" (pancakes) with fond memories of her. I realized I hadn't made these in a very long time-- they are so basic and simple, yet they are truly very "comforting".

My Mother "Gretl" and her Mother (my Grandmother), photographed by me in Bad Reichenhall, Bavaria--both have passed on , but their love of cooking is now in my hands


My mother, who was born and raised in Southern Germany (Bavaria) served these pancakes to her three kids. Sometimes, my mother would chop the cooked pancakes into tiny bite sized pies-- right into the pan. This is called "schmarn"-- loosely translated "junk", but it when used in Bavarian it translates into "nonsense". We loved pouring pancakes syrup all over "schmarn". Overall, the pancakes, folded in half and filled with strawberry jam is our very favorite.

I've developed my own version of rolling the pancakes, more like a crepe. Sometimes, I like to add fresh squeezed lemon juice and powdered sugar. This morning, I used the rest of the
lemon curd that I had made . Wow! Happy memories. I thought I'd share a few of mine with all of you:

My Great Grandmother, who owned a hotel-restaurant, whose soup tureen I still use

My Great Grandparents Wedding Photo circa1903

My Grandmother "Oma" at the age of 17. Love her "dirndl"!


My Grandparents Wedding Photo, 1923

I hope that you give these a try. My mother would have been pleased to know that you did!

German Pancakes

In my home, this is comfort food. My mother, who ...

See German Pancakes on Key Ingredient.


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