mignon mange

a casual vegetarian cooks.

Ostrich Pancakes

When my mom was little her nanny would make these pancakes for her. She didn’t understand that they were called Austrian pancakes, and so instead referred to them as ostrich pancakes. I like that name better. So: Ostrich Pancakes. 

This might be one of the most satisfying recipes I have ever discovered. I found it in my grandmother’s cookbook, which I don’t often use since it’s basically a collection of outdated and unappetizing cooking and preparation techniques, and the recipes too often call for gross things like gelatin, mayonnaise, and, in one case on page 189, “1 slice bread which has been soaked in milk and wrung out”. No thanks.

So, apart from what I expect from The Joy of Cooking circa 1963, my initial skepticism was twofold: first, I didn’t believe sugar and eggs could make a pancake, and second, I hear the word soufflé and I am immediately intimidated. But, in this case the process could not be easier. The whole thing takes about twenty minutes, and there you are with a delicious breakfast or dessert! Double or triple the recipe if you would like to make 2-3 large pancakes for breakfast, depending on who you are cooking for, but as is this could serve 2-3 people as a dessert.

Adapted from the Joy of Cooking

1 tbsp butter

4 eggs, separated into yolks and whites

1 tbsp sugar

1/8 tsp vanilla extract

  1. Combine the sugar and egg yolks and beat until light. Add in the vanilla and beat more, until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
  2. In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites until they are stiff.
  3. Slowly fold the yolk mixture into the egg white mixture.
  4. Melt the butter in a large non-stick pan. When the pan is hot and the butter is fully melted, spoon the soufflé mixture into the pan and allow about 5 minutes for the first side to brown. Slowly lift up the edges after about 5 minutes and flip the pancake. Let cook on opposite side for another few minutes. Top with whatever toppings you prefer (I spread some raspberry jam on top) and serve immediately!
  1. mignonmange posted this