Butterfly – A method of cutting meats so that it will lay flat and even. Difficult to describe without visual effects, but the meat is sliced in the center, without going all the way through, and opened to lay flat like the wings of a butterfly. In larger cuts, it is sliced in increments from middle to either side, and the flaps are opened like the pages of a book.
Whether indulged as dessert, breakfast, or as a snack, savory, or sweet… a crêpe, a French paper-thin pancake is a perfect dish anytime…any type.
1 c All-Purpose Flour
1/2 c plus 2 tbls. Water
1/2 cup Milk
3 Large Eggs
2 tbls. unsalted Butter, melted and cooled, plus some for the pan
1/2 tsp. Salt
2 Bananas
Nutella
Powdered Sugar
Whipped Cream, Optional
Strawberries
1 tsp. Granulated Sugar
Blueberries
In a blender or food processor blend flour, 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons water, milk, eggs, butter, and salt for 5 seconds. Turn the motor off and scrape sides down, with a rubber spatula. Transfer the batter into a bowl and let it stand, covered, for 1 hour.
The batter may be made up to one day in advance. Heat a 7 to 8-inch crepe or non-stick skillet over moderate heat until it is hot but not smoking and remove from heat. Brush the pan as necessary with butter. Stir the batter, half fill a 1/4 cup measure with it, and pour the batter into the pan. Tilt and rotate the pan quickly to cover the bottom with a thin layer of batter and return any excess batter to the bowl. Return the pan to the heat, loosen the edge of the crêpe with a spatula, and cook the crêpe until the under side is browned lightly. Turn the crêpe, brown the other side lightly and transfer to a plate. Crêpes can be made in advance, stacked, wrapped in plastic and stored refrigerated for 3 days or frozen.
To assemble crêpe you will need to prepare fruits. To slice strawberries, slice in half, in half again then thinly slice sideways. Place in a bowl and add granulated sugar, and mix, this is called masquerading. For bananas just slices them, looking just like coins. Set fruits aside. Then thinly spread a layer of Nutella on Crêpe. On a quarter of the crepe, Nutella side up add bananas. Fold in half, and fold in half again. Place on plate, then add a spoonful of strawberries, then scatter on some blueberries. Dallop some whipped cream on top and through a sifter, tap on top, and serve.
I had the responsibility to take care of my little brothers, while my parents were out – although grandma and grandpa were there just in case. It was the hardest thing you could do, especially with parents out, and taking care of 3 little wild boys. It was soon getting late, and our parents were still not here, so I had to make dinner on my own, beside watching my brothers. More hard work on top of more hard work!!! For dinner I steamed a fillet of tilapia fish, topped with lemon juice, capers, salt, and Mrs.Dash Seasoning (Onion, Black Pepper, Parsley, Celery Seed, Basil, Bay, Marjoram, Coriander, Oregano, Savory, Thyme, Cayenne Pepper, Cumin, Mustard, Rosemary, Garlic, Orange Peel, Tomato, Lemon Juice Powder, Citric Acid, Oil of Lemon) served on a bed of mixed greens, seasoned with salt and pepper. As soon as mom and dad came, the tilapia was perfectly done. We then all enjoyed the meal, together, as a family!
Brown – Generally, when a recipe says to “brown”, it refers to cooking quickly in a hot pan, on the grill or under a broiler until all sides turn golden or brown in color. The purpose is to seal in the juices and add flavor.
