A scrumptious breakfast, an ambrosial afternoon snack, or a delicious dessert: few foods are as versatile – not to mention tasty – as the pancake. But if you think that having one pancake means you’ve had them all, think again. Let’s take a look at three delectable but fairly unknown varieties of this world-famous dish.
1. Kaiserschmarrn
This Austrian specialty gets its quirky name from Kaiser Franz Joseph I (1830 – 1916), who simply couldn’t get enough of these sweet sensations. The caramel-coated pancakes are thicker and puffier than more common varieties, and are often served with raisins and powdered sugar. What’s more, many Austrians love to spice things up by adding crunchy nuts or cooked apples with cinnamon to the recipe.
2. Pannukakku
It’s time to introduce you to a life-changing delight from Finland: rectangular and fluffy delights known as Pannukakku. Not only are they aesthetically pleasing and easily sliced into individual portions, but their buttery taste will also leave you licking your lips. And just when you think that these dough slices couldn’t get any better, you’ll certainly be in seventh heaven once you’ve sprinkled some powdered sugar, fruit or even something savoury, such as cheese and herbs, over them.
3. Palačinky
Although the Czech Republic is known for its pastries and meat-based stews, its pancakes are pretty fantastic, too. Although Palačinky look deceptively similar to French crepes, the batter and preparation method yield strikingly different – but equally delicious – results. Inside these tightly wrapped treats, there’s always a sugary surprise: from fruit to cream to jam (or all of the above), you’ll never know what delicious delicacy awaits your taste buds.
Instead of trickling syrup over your usual pancakes, satisfy your sweet tooth with three mouth-watering pancake types from all over Europe. One of them is sure to become your new all-time favourite!
