No, that's not me, though I did think the woman in the foreground was very glamorous. It's a shot from the box of the Monier Crepe Maker, straight out of the 1970s.
I don't recall my parents hosting huge crepe-related soirees, though I do remember Mum using it occasionally (and letting me use it, when I was deemed responsible enough. I definitely remember reading the accompanying recipe booklet and wishing we could have Crepes Suzette. I was less keen on some of the other suggestions, such as 'moistening a little corned beef with milk, then wrapping it in a crepe'.
It might seem a ridiculous, mono-use tool, but after trying it out yesterday I can confirm that it really does work just as easily as the box claims it will. Not bad for something that must be at least 35 years old (according to this Sydney Morning Herald advertisement). I've never been particularly good at making light, lacy crepes, but switching on the Monier yesterday gave me new confidence. Maybe it was the recipe on the box.
Monier Crepes
All batters are better after a resting period, but this one was good to go after 10 minutes. I've yet to try it out in a normal pan, but I'm sure it would still be fine, you just won't look as cool as I do when you make them.
3 eggs
1 cup flour
pinch of salt
2 Tbsp butter, melted
1 cup milk
Whisk the eggs and flour together, then slowly add the milk and melted butter until you have a smooth batter. Rest in the fridge for at least 10 minutes before using. Makes about a dozen crepes.
Is there a Monier Crepe Maker in your past? What's the secret to your best pancakes?
oh I love that advert... it's 70'stastic and I want to be there again now!... fab pancakes!
ReplyDeleteThat's wonderful that the device still works as it should. I've never had much success with crepes or even pancakes. They're never light or fluffy, more dense and oily, though if you pile it with delicious distractions, it's passable. Crepe Soiree sounds nice. We had a fondue party last winter. I think they were onto something with those things. Cheap entertaining.
ReplyDeleteHaha, fabulous picture and crikey it takes me right back. It must be the era, but fondue was the first thing I thought of when I saw it. What a disappointment it would have been to get corned beef in your pancake though.
ReplyDeleteWe had one of those crepe makers, passed down from our grandmother - naff as they are, they really do work! I use a big seasoned frying pan these days though :) My trick is to keep thinning down the batter with a little water as crepe mix thickens as it sits, thick = stodgy!
ReplyDeleteHow brilliant that it still works! I bet it was like the fondue set and the hostess trolly, a must have item in the 70s. Your crepes look very good.
ReplyDeleteis that top picture to show it is so easy even a man could do it! what an impressive retro family heirloom!
ReplyDeleteI used to dream of having a crepe maker. Actually, having seen that first picture, I'm still dreaming of it. I remember those hairstyles so well.
ReplyDeleteJust took it out of the back of the cupboard this morning for my grand kids, not having a bottle of premix in the pantry. Couldn't remember the name of the equipment and simply googled a recipe. It sort of worked, but so glad now to have the original Monier recipe on hand. Thankyou.
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