Poffertjes

PUBLISHED ON: 08.12.2009

Literally translated from Dutch to English poffertjes means fritter. These little cakes get their name from the Dutch word meaning to puff up like popcorn or popovers. This is a tasty Dutch treat served traditionally with butter on top, and a generous sprinkling of powdered sugar. However, there is no reason to stop there because preserves, whipped cream, fresh fruit, liqueurs and ice cream are good too. These fritters ( we think pancake) are usually served as an afternoon snack.

Poffertjes are cooked in a special cast iron pan with many small indentations. I think our Dutch American ancestors forgot to bring the pan with them on their journey across the Atlantic. As a result, the Dutch improvised and the American pancake was born! Seriously, to get the airy, puffy look, it is going to require the special pan.
Ingredients:
Note: I used a metric conversion table
3/4 cups all purpose flour
3/4 cups buckwheat flour
1 cup lukewarm milk
2-teaspoons yeast
2 -Tablespoons corn syrup
Pinch salt
4-1/2 Tablespoons melted butter
Powdered sugar
Directions:
1. Dissolve the yeast in a small portion of the milk.
2. Sift all the flour with the salt, make a well in the middle and pour in the yeast mixture.
3. Stir from the center, slowly adding the remaining milk followed by the beaten egg and syrup.
4. Leave the mixture to rise about for an hour in a warm place
5. Heat the “special” pan on high heat, butter each cup and pour in a small amount of the mixture, filling about half-way.
6. Cook till the poffertjes are golden and dry on the bottom.
7. Turn them ( with a small fork or toothpick) and the cook the other side.
8. A poffertjes pan usually makes about a dozen, enough for one person.
note: I love #8 above!
9. Sprinkle generously with powdered sugar and put a small pat of butter on top of the poffertjes.
10. Serve hot.
These tiny Dutch fritters is a treat not to be missed!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

You cannot copy content of this page