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The Crepe And French Cooking French Cooking And The Crepe How The Crepe Is Used In French Cooking

By: Amanda Riley


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Many creations have been conceived within the realm of French cooking. One popular dish is the thin pancake wrap known as the crepe. Although in its most popular form it is served as a sweet-tasting dessert, it is quite versatile. When mixed with savory ingredients, it can be transformed into a tasty entree for lunch and dinner. In fact, the different versions available are too many to count.

French cooking is seen by many as beyond the skills of the average cook. Yet many of these culinary concoctions have gained popularity worldwide because of their versatility and universal appeal. One that comes to mind is one of France's most popular dishes, the crepe. Mostly known as a dessert snack, this ultra thin pancake wrap can be served in several different of ways, and as both a sweet and savory dish. In fact, the crepe makes perfect sense for any meal of the day.

Safe to say that the best cooking in the world will aways make the most of its ingredients. This is why French cooking ranks at the top. Perhaps the finest example of using a simple dish to create innumerable variations is the crepe. Consisting of only a very thin pancake wrap, it is the ideal canvas for culinary artists. The range of desserts, entrees and snacks are ever growing.

The Sweet Crepe
Sweet
Served Sweet

Most examples of this dish in its most notable, sweet form could be found either on the breakfast or dessert menu.

Nearly all of the "sweet" varieties are served either for breakfast or as an after dinner treat.

Most chefs' and diners' first introduction to this dish, since it blends perfectly with a variety of sweet ingredients, is through either the dessert or breakfast menu.

The nutella crepe is filled with a hazelnut chocolate spread along with a dash of powdered sugar. This may seem like a dessert, but it's actually a quite popular breakfast item. The French usually prefer to keep their morning meals light.~
The French don't usually sit down to a large breakfast, so the Nutella crepe is ideal. It's merely the standard thin pancake with a smear of hazelnut chocolate in the middle. This is especially popular among children.

As a breakfast item, the Nutella crepe is quite popular. It is filled with a creamy hazelnut chocolate spread and goes wonderfully along side morning cup of coffee.

For a real French dessert, there is the Suzette. This version is doused in the french liqueur Grand Marnier with an sprinkle of orange zest. It comes with a helping of whipped cream and goes perfectly with an after dinner cordial.~
For an after-dinner treat, the Suzette a French classic. It's served with orange zest, doused in the French liqueur, Grand Marnier, and includes a dollop of whipped cream. This is sure to pop up on any French restaurant menu.~
For a typically French dessert, there is the Suzette. This delicacy is doused in Grand Marnier and garnished with a dollop of whipped cream. This too can be served with coffee or perhaps an after-dinner cordial.

The Savory Crepe
Savory
Served Savory

Considering that it is merely a wrap in its bare form, this delicacy is ideal for experimentation. It's for this very reason that so many cooks and diners have grown to love it served as a savory dish.~
The savory crpe is available for lunch/dinner and doesn't always involve meat.~
The crpe, alone, can be seen a shell. So when stuffed with savory fillings, it becomes a completely different dish. Different variations appear on lunch and dinner menus.

For those seeking a filling entree, this dish has proven compatible with beef, chicken, fish and pork. Similar to many savory French entrees, these are usually lathered in sauce.

As for meat lover entrees, chefs have been known create them with fish, chicken, beef and pork. Just about everything really. There isn't a classic savory version per se, as with the sweet, but some menus include Bacon and Mushroom or Chicken Pesto as well as Salmon.

Popular fillings for dinner include salmon, bacon, chicken and beef and most are covered in a savory dressing. These generally make up the heavier entree items.

Others who are interested in a light lunch or afternoon snack are also in luck. There are dozens of cheese fillings available -- this is France, after all. Vegetarians and vegans have even used it as a purely vegetable dish, often with spinach and leeks.

Aside from meat, the savory dish is also a great excuse to incorporate the vast array of French cheeses. Also, popular among cooks are vegetables, such as spinach and leeks.

There are less heavy options available as well. It wouldn't be French unless cheese was allowed to make an appearance and it has throughout a range of recipes. Vegetable fillings such as spinach and leeks have become a popular inclusion as well for those seeking a healthier snack.

The Versatile Dish
An Enduring Staple
A Culinary Favorite

There is a reason why the crpe has become such a staple in French cooking. In a style of cuisine that has won the hearts of food critics worldwide, such a versatile dish is well appreciated. With global networking at all-time high, there's no reason this tasty treat won't work its way into the repertoire of chefs around the world, not just France.

The multi-purpose crepe has been a French cooking staple for centuries. Although its popularity has not been nearly as strong outside of France, it has proved a template for creative chefs everywhere. Whether it's breakfast, lunch, dinner or dessert, there's a place for these dishes on the menu. Not many other delicacies can boast that kind of versatility. Whatever mood the taste buds may be in, there's a good chance there's a crepe ready to hit the spot.

With such versatility, it would be hard to imagine anyone disliking this delicacy. Certainly in the context of French cooking, it has evolved into so many creations that there has to be at least one that satisfies any diner's cravings. There's no mystery why it's a culinary favorite and no doubt that its variations will only continue to grow.

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