Hungarian-American Desserts

Hungarian Crepes with Hazelnuts

Crepe

1 cup flour

2 large eggs

1/2 cup milk, skim

3/4 cup club soda

3/4 tablespoon canola oil

Filling

2 ounces hazelnuts

1/3 cup milk, 1%

2 tablespoons sugar

1 tablespoon rum, 80 proof

1 tablespoon orange zest

Sauce

1 cup milk, 2%

3 1/2 tablespoons powdered sugar

1 1/4 tablespoons cornstarch

1 1/2 tablespoons cocoa

1 1/4 tablespoons Neufchatel cheese

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Recipe Notes:
This is a lighter version of the famous Hungarian crepe, the "Gundel palacsinta," which was developed by Karoly Gundel, the renowned Hungarian restaurateur and chef. Known for his culinary creativeness and through his writings, he greatly contributed to the international acceptance of Hungarian cuisine. The traditional French flambe is substituted in this recipe by adding a dash of rum flavoring to the hazelnut filling and by topping with a chocolate sauce.

Nutritional Information:
265 Calories, 10g Total Fat, 2g Saturated Fat, 34% Calories from Fat, 56mg Cholesterol, 71mg Sodium, 90 Calories from Fat, 29g Carbohydrate, 1g Dietary Fibre, 12g Protein

Recipe

1. To prepare the crepes, combine the flour, eggs, milk, and club soda in the bowl of a food processor. Blend at top speed for about 1 minute, then scrape down the sides and blend again until the ingredients are well combined. Add more soda if necessary to make a batter the consistency of heavy cream. Cover and let it stand for about 30 minutes.

2. Heat a 6 1/2- to 7 1/2-inch bottom diameter coated skillet with sloping sides until very hot, then brush the pan with canola oil. Pour 1/3 cup of batter into the hot, greased skillet. Quickly turn the skillet around so that the batter spreads up the sides and thinly covers the entire bottom of the pan. Put the pan back on the heat for about 1 minute. Give it a few shakes to loosen the pancake then turn the crepe over with a spatula. Cook briefly, about 30 seconds, on the second side or until light brown spots appear, then turn it out onto a warm plate. Repeat with the remaining batter, brushing the skillet with oil each time.

3. Bake the hazelnuts in a 350 degrees F. oven until lightly toasted. Grind the toasted nuts in a food processor. In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the milk, nuts, and sugar. Stir over a medium heat for 1 minute. Remove from the heat and add the rum and orange zest. Mix well and let cool to room temperature. Spread 1 tablespoon of filling on each crepe. Roll the crepe into cylinders and tuck in the ends

4. The chocolate sauce is made by combining the milk, sugar, cornstarch, and cocoa in a medium-sized saucepan. Slowly bring to a boil, stirring well to break up lumps. After reaching the boil, reduce the heat and cook 1 minute longer or until the mixture thickens. Add the Neufchatel cheese and vanilla extract. Refrigerate.

5. Serve the crepes warm. Warm the chocolate sauce and drizzle it over and around the pancakes before serving.

Get two more free recipes with photos now by filling out our simple online questionnaire!

Order the Book NOW!