After suffering from a serious case of ‘blogger’s block’ for over a year (a curious version of writer’s block), I was fortunately able to jump out of my doldrums after viewing a local San Diego cooking show called ‘Cooking with Styles.‘ Here, combination chef and TV meteorologist, Shawn Styles, presented a dish called Dutch Baby Pancake with Orange Sauce– it was colorful, easy to do and had everything necessary for me to jump back in the kitchen, don my apron, and re-locate my forgotten camera.
What is a Dutch Baby?
A Dutch Baby is a cross between a pancake and a crèpe, however it is easier to make (baked in the oven rather than on the stovetop) and puffs up to make all kinds of interesting shapes. Plus, its texture is light and delicate and is usually adorned with chopped fruit and powdered sugar- perfect for breakfast or a dessert!
In order to make your Dutch Baby Pancake rise, you’ll need to create steam by first whisking enough air into the batter prior to baking. You’ll also need to first heat the empty cast iron skillet for 15 minutes in a very hot oven (425 F.) before adding the batter. These two things will help your pancake to puff up.
Tip: pre-heat your empty cast-iron skillet for 15 minutes before adding the batter. Then swirl the batter along the sides before placing back in the oven for another 15 minutes.
Dutch Baby Pancake after baking for 15 minutes:
Nice and puffy! I know the shape of the pancake can look a little bizarre at times, but it will soon look beautiful after you add the fruit and powdered sugar!
Next, add the fruit and orange syrup to your pancake:
Then dust with powdered sugar:
Yum, I think I’ll have another piece!
[sp_recipe]
That looks fantastic with all the fresh fruits. My husband would devour the whole thing. Hope you stay and blog for a little while, Fran :-))
Thank you, Angie! Yes, I think I’m over my ‘doldrums’ now and hope to continue with blogging!
Hi Fran! I love making Dutch babies, because I can! You definitely don’t have to be a baker to manage one! It’s nice seeing you blogging again!
Thanks, Mimi. Yes, it’s amazing how easy it is to make them and so delicious, too!
Glad to see you back in the kitchen and blogging again and this is a delicious way to return!
Oh Raymund, so glad to hear from you again- all the way from New Zealand!
I love a dutch baby–sweet and savory. The orange sauce sounds so good!
So nice to see a post from you, Fran! I haven’t had a Dutch Baby ion two decades (I remember the last time I had one — it was summer 2005!) and I think it is time to make one! I love yours — sounds wonderful and a bit like a simpler Crêpes Suzette!
Fran, it’s wonderful to see you back sharing your recipes again! And for the record, I don’t think the pancake looks bizarre at all! It looks amazing and super delicious.
Fran, it’s so great to see you sharing your recipes again! And honestly, I don’t think the pancake looks strange at all—it looks absolutely amazing and incredibly delicious.