Maple Pan Popovers

The first time I made these my oldest daughter said, "Mommy, I love these more pancakes." I wondered really, really she liked these more than pancakes, so I asked, "how 'bout more than crepes?" "More than crepes," she responded, "and more than ice cream, maple syrup, and chocolate." Coming from her that's saying something.

She's right, these do make a pretty exceptional breakfast - especially when topped with maple mixed berries and maple whipped cream. They're simple-  flour, eggs, a little sugar and milk and less than 5 minutes prep time. Then in to the oven for another 20 or so. Viola, the perfect breakfast.

Pan Popovers
1 Cup Flour
4 Eggs
1 Cup Milk
2 Tbsp Granulated Maple Sugar
2 Tbsp butter
Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Place four small (4" cast iron pans) on medium heat with a 1/2 tbsp of butter in each pan. Alternatively you could cook the popovers in two batches or use two larger 8" to 10" pans. 

Mix flour, eggs, milk and sugar in a mixing bowl until smooth. When pans are hot, pour 1/4 of the batter into each pan and swirl. Then place pans in preheated oven. 

Cook for ~20 minutes or until the popovers are golden and puffy.

Maple Berries

1/2 Cup Granulated Maple Sugar

12 oz Frozen Mixed Berries (use fresh if in season)

Place mixed berries in a sauce pan with granulated maple sugar. Stir occasionally. Remove from heat when berries are thawed and juices has reached a slightly syrupy state. 

Maple Whipped Cream 
1 Cup Heavy Whipping Cream 

1/8 to 1/4 Cup Granulated Maple Sugar

Beat maple sugar and whipping cream together until it forms stiff peaks. 

Top pan popovers with berries, and then with whipped cream and serve.

Peach Apple Crisp with Maple Whipped Cream

I love crisps and cobblers. Unpretentious, simple dishes that showcase the flavors of the fruits they top. With a bounty of apples this fall and a few peaches imported from warmer climates I couldn't resit making this peach apple crisp for a recent dinner. The topping is drier, a little less sweet and more crumbly than most, but it works perfectly when topped with maple whipped cream. 

Peach and Apple Crisp

4 large firm apples peeled, cored and sliced

2 large peaches peeled, pitted and sliced
1 cup granulated maple sugar
1 cup all purpose flour
1 cup whole rolled oats
1/2 cup butter

Pre-heat oven to 350 degree F. Place the sliced peaches and apples into the baking dish. In a mixing bowl combine the flour, sugar, oats and butter. Mix until the butter is evenly distributed and the ingredients resemble a coarse meal. Spread evenly over the sliced fruit. Place in oven and cook for 45 minutes to 1 hour. Remove from oven and let cool for 10 minutes. Serve with maple whipped cream. 

Maple Whipped Cream

1 cup heavy cream 

2 tablespoons maple sugar

Whisk maple sugar into the heavy cream. Continue whisking the mixture until it forms peaks.