Golden Mandarin Crepes: A Citrusy Delight
As the scent of Chinese mandarins fills the kitchen, it brings back sweet childhood memories of helping my grandmother make her famous crepes. It was during those afternoons that I learned how to turn simple ingredients into extraordinary dishes. Today, I’m excited to walk you through creating a dessert that is pure poetry for the palate: a delicate fusion of the softness of crepes and the freshness of citrus fruits.
Picture ultra-thin golden discs enveloping a fruity center, where the citrus juice combines with ginger and liqueurs to offer a symphony of flavors. These crepes are not just a dish to serve; they are a sensory journey that starts from preparing the perfectly smooth batter to the magical moment when the warm syrup meets the cold whipped cream.
Every bite is a promise fulfilled: to transport you directly to the sunny orchards where these mandarins are grown. Get your cutlery ready and let yourself be seduced by this refined dessert, because every occasion can become special when accompanied by the right flavor.
Recipe Notes
- SIMPLICITY: Easy to make with everyday ingredients.
- PROS: Fresh and exotic flavor of Chinese mandarins.
- CONS: Preparation and cooking times are a bit long.
- PREPARATION: Requires patience but it’s worth it.
- NUTRITIONAL NOTES: Approximately 350 calories per serving.
Notes on the recipe’s ingredients
- Flour: the base for making light and fluffy crepes
- Chinese Mandarins: the star of the filling, packed with vitamin C
- Rum and Orange Liqueur: to flavor the filling
- Whipped Cream and Chocolate Shavings: for topping the crepes
Nutritional Aspects
Let’s discover the nutritional benefits of our Chinese Mandarin Crepes:
- Rich in vitamin C thanks to the Chinese mandarins.
- Contain protein from the eggs in the batter.
- Provide energy from the carbohydrates in the flour.
- Natural antioxidants found in citrus fruits and chocolate.
- Butter and whipped cream increase the content of saturated fats.
- A touch of ginger to aid digestion.
- The alcohol evaporates during cooking, leaving only the flavor.
Recipe for Stuffed Crepes with Chinese Mandarins
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix the flour, milk, water, salt, sugar, whole eggs, egg yolks, and the remaining ingredients. Then add the first 25 g of melted and filtered butter. Work until you get a smooth batter and let it rest for an hour.
- Melt some of the remaining butter in a 15 cm pan and spread it evenly. Pour a ladle of the batter and cook the crepe on both sides over low heat for about two minutes. Repeat until all the ingredients are used up.
- Keep the crepes warm in the oven at low temperature.
- Prepare the syrup by putting the orange juice, sugar, and ginger in a saucepan; bring to a boil and reduce by half.
- Clean the Chinese mandarins, cut them in half, and cook them in the syrup for a few minutes before adding the orange liqueur and rum.
- Fill each crepe with some of the Chinese mandarins, fold them into quarters, and place them on individual plates.
- Pour the remaining fruits with the warm syrup over the crepes, garnish with whipped cream and chocolate shavings.
Notes
Variations of Chinese Mandarin Crepes Recipe
Add a special touch by incorporating grated Chinese mandarin zest into the batter.
- Variations of filling with seasonal fruits like strawberries or peaches
- Swap orange liqueur for lemon liqueur for a different flavor
- Garnish with chopped nuts or pistachio crumbs for a crunchy twist
Frequently Asked Questions About the Recipe
Here are some common questions about making Chinese mandarin crepes.
How can I store leftover crepes?
After making the crepes, you can store them in the fridge for 2-3 days. Make sure to wrap them well in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container.
Can I replace Chinese mandarins with another type of citrus?
Yes, you can substitute Chinese mandarins with oranges or regular mandarins, but the flavor may vary slightly.
How can I make the recipe lighter in terms of calories?
You can reduce the calorie intake by substituting butter with coconut oil and using low-fat whipped cream. Additionally, you can decrease the amount of sugar in the filling.