In 2013, I became step mom to two amazing 10 year old boys. I had always been fascinated by "fun" food, a gift I inherited from my mother. My childhood memories include my mom making homemade pasta (thick but delicious), goat cheese from our family's goat, Julie, (hard cheese that we didn't know what to do with), souffles, pop overs and more kitchen experiments that developed my love for food. When I started cooking for the boys, I knew that I wanted to share that type of excitement and encourage them to be adventurous in their own cooking and eating experiences. Dutch Babies were an easy and delicious introduction to that world.
These puffy, easy to make, delicious breakfast treats were a hit with the kids and, years later, still show up on the breakfast table. Traditionally made with a cast iron pan, they look fantastic on the table and have a "wow" factor to impress. Crepe type batter is poured into a heated butter bath and placed in the oven until a cloud of delicious browned puffed pancake results, waiting to be sprinkled with powdered sugar and garnished as you wish.
Dutch Babies, created in the breakfast American format, were made famous by Victor Manca for Manca's Cafe in Seattle, WA in the late 1800s (thanks, Victor!). More about Manca's here: https://www.heraldnet.com/food-and-drink/nuggets-a-new-column-and-a-delicious-piece-of-local-history/.
An offshoot of Yorkshire Pudding or the German Pfannkuchen, the Dutch Babies still retained their fame, 100 years later, for all of us 1990 Seattle party people. I remember waiting in line for a table at Minnie's Cafe on Denny Avenue, after a night of grunge rock and dancing, to wait the 45 minutes required to get a fresh Dutch Baby. Worth it every time.
Although, recipes for Dutch Babies abound now, I always start with one from The Joy of Cooking. This is where my mom and I found so many recipes, vintage when I was young, that still carry their integrity and deliciousness today. This is a great place to explore heritage cooking with detailed instruction and reliable results.
So get out your cast iron pan, The Joy of Cooking, and create a Dutch Baby for your next weekend brunch. If you are in Seattle, grab some bacon from George's Polish Deli at Madison and Terry. Link here: https://www.georgespolishdeli.com/ Noted, at our last breakfast, as "the best bacon I've had in my life", by our guests.
Food is a journey. Enjoy the ride!
Stacy
Looks delicious!