Les crêpes – The story behind

Every year the French celebrate “la chandeleur” and eat plenty of pancakes! Mais pourquoi?

A thin and airy texture, a goldenbrown colour and a most delicious smell… have you already tried it? Just read further down or join our teachers and students on Monday the 2nd of February at Le Comptoir (Boot Quay) to taste traditional crêpes with us (visit our Facebook page for more info).

The “crêpe” is a hand-made, savory delight that has existed for many centuries in France. At that time, it’s pastry was made out of buckwheat which gave it a sort of black colour. It was only in the 20th century that the French started to make crepes of white flower. They were even softer as a result of eggs, flour and butter to make them.

Crêpes were traditionally made on a typical large, round, iron plate. Most of the French crêperies in the streets of Paris still use this method.

Every year, in the month of February, the French celebrate “La fête de la Chandeleur”. During the day, they eat plenty of crêpes. When they prepare the crêpes they must keep a coin in their writing hand and the crêpe pan in the other hand. When they are able to flip the crêpe in the air and catch it back in the pan, it’s a sign for good luck.

Crêpes are popular all over the world and even in Singapore you can find enough French who have started their own crêperie! Do you want to give it a try yourself during this year’s Chandeleur? Here’s our delicious homemade French crêpes recipe:

The Recipe

– 300 g flower
– 3 eggs
– 3 tablespoons of sugar
– 2 tablespoons of olive oil
– 50 g melted butter
– 30cl of milk (slowly add until the liquid mass becomes thicker)
– a little glass with rhum liquor

1) In a large mixing bowl, add the flower and make a little hole in the middle. Whisk together with the eggs. Gradually add in the milk and water, stirring to combine. Add the salt and butter; beat until smooth.
2) Heat a lightly oiled griddle or frying pan over medium high heat. Pour a drop of olive oil and gradually add the mixture. It needs to be a thin, equally balanced layer.
3) Cook the crêpe for about 2 minutes, until the bottom is light brown. Loosen with a spatula, turn and cook the other side. Serve hot. Bon appétit!

Join us for our next event :

– Where: Le Comptoir Singapore, 79 circular road (boat quay)
– When: Monday 2nd of February at 8 pm
– Price: 7$ for a glass of cider + 1 sugar crepe for free! (28$ per bottle)
– How to register: send an email to marloes@frenchstudio.sg