Buckwheat Crêpes
Once you perfect the technique here, start adding in and playing with your favorite fillings. (This week we suggest using our signature apple butter paired with some maple-spiced apples.)
Ingredients:
1 cup buckwheat flour
¾ teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
1 cup milk
1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
¼ to ½ cup water
Method:
1. To make the crêpe batter, combine all the ingredients (except water) in a blender, and blend until smooth. Cover the batter and let it rest in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or overnight.
2. When you’re ready to make crêpes, thin the batter with water, using less water for thicker crêpes and more water for thinner ones.
3. Preheat a crêpe pan or non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Lightly grease the pan with butter, oil, or pan spray, then pour in enough batter to thinly coat the bottom of the pan; swirling the pan as you pour the batter will help ensure an even coating. Cook the crêpe for 1 to 2 minutes on the first side, until it’s golden and lifts from the pan easily. Flip it over and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes on the other side.
4. Transfer cooked crêpes to a plate, stacking them on top of one another, and keeping a towel over them. Fill as desired; serve warm.
Poached Duck Eggs over Sautéed Beet & Turnip Greens
This elegant presentation is sure to wow any dinner guest.
Ingredients:
3-4 duck eggs
1 bunch each turnip and beet greens, washed and patted dry
2 tablespoons butter or olive oil
Sea salt and fresh ground pepper
Method:
1. To poach the eggs, half-fill a medium saucepan with water and bring to the boil. Add a hefty pinch of salt. Meanwhile, crack each egg into its own small bowl and add a teaspoon of vinegar to each. Stir the boiling water vigorously with a balloon whisk until you have a whirlpool then immediately (and softly!) slip the egg into the pot. Turn the heat down low, and cook for three minutes. Gently lift eggs out of the pot and drain on paper towels.
2. Meanwhile, melt the butter or heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the greens and cook until they are just wilted and tender, 4 to 6 minutes. Season generously with salt and pepper; set aside.
3. To serve, add a serving of the greens to a plate, and then top with a poached egg. Season with salt and pepper, as needed.
Variation: This dish is also excellent served with roasted root vegetables, such as beets, turnips or carrots.
