Get ready to indulge in a delicious treat because March 22nd is National Bavarian Crepes Day! This food holiday celebrates the light and airy dish that has been enjoyed for centuries. Crepes are a popular dish that can be made sweet or savory, but the Bavarian version, also known as “palatschinke,” is a must-try for any crepe lover.
Join in on the celebration by trying your hand at making Bavarian crepes at home or visiting a local restaurant that serves them. Not sure where to start? Keep reading to learn more about the history of Bavarian crepes and some delicious recipes to try out on National Bavarian Crepes Day!
History of Bavarian Crepes
As mentioned earlier, crepes, also known as palatschinke, have been around for centuries, with the first recorded mention dating back to the 13th century. The word ‘palatschinke’ comes from the Latin word ‘placenta,’ which means cake, and is derived from the Greek word ‘plakous,’ meaning flat cake.
Bavarian crepes are a variation of the traditional French crepe, with a thicker batter that is often served with a variety of sweet or savory fillings.
The history of Bavarian crepes is closely tied to the history of Bavaria, which is located in southeastern Germany. Crepes have been a popular dish in Bavaria for many years, with different regions of the country having their own unique variation of the dish.
Variations of Bavarian Crepes
Bavarian crepes are a versatile dish that can be prepared in many different ways.
Sweet Bavarian Crepes: Sweet crepes are the most common variation. They are usually filled with fruit, whipped cream, chocolate, or Nutella. Some popular sweet Bavarian crepes include:
- Strawberry and Cream Bavarian Crepes
- Banana and Chocolate Bavarian Crepes
- Blueberry and Lemon Bavarian Crepes
Savory Bavarian Crepes: Savory Bavarian crepes are a great option for those who prefer a more savory taste. They are usually filled with meat, cheese, or vegetables. Some popular savory Bavarian crepes include:
- Ham and Cheese Bavarian Crepes
- Spinach and Feta Bavarian Crepes
- Mushroom and Onion Bavarian Crepes
Common Alternatives to Bavarian Crepes
Palatschinken: Palatschinken is the Austrian version of Bavarian crepes. They are thinner and lighter than traditional Bavarian crepes and are usually served with apricot jam or Nutella.
Kaiserschmarrn: Kaiserschmarrn is a shredded pancake that is similar to Bavarian crepes. It is usually served with fruit compote or apple sauce.
Blintzes: Blintzes are a variation of Bavarian crepes that are popular in Eastern Europe. They are usually filled with cheese or fruit and are served with sour cream.
Ideas for Celebrating Bavarian Crepes Day
- Host a crepe party! Invite your friends and family over and have a crepe-making party. Set up a crepe station with different fillings like fresh fruit, whipped cream, Nutella, and jam.
- Visit a local crepe restaurant. If you don’t feel like making your own crepes, visit a local restaurant that serves Bavarian crepes.
- Organize a crepe cooking competition. Challenge your friends or family members to a crepe cooking competition. Set a time limit and have everyone make their own version of Bavarian crepes. You can even have a panel of judges to decide the winner!
Fun and Interesting Facts about Bavarian Crepes
If you’re new to Bavarian crepes, here are some fun and interesting facts hat you may not know:
- Bavarian crepes are not actually from Bavaria, but rather from Central Europe.
- The name “Bavarian” comes from the fact that they are often filled with rich Bavarian cream.
- Bavarian crepes are similar to French crepes, but the batter is used right away instead of being allowed to rest before cooking.
| Topic | Information |
|---|---|
| National Bavarian Crepes Day | Celebrated on March 22nd |
| History | Crepes have been around since the 13th century, with the word ‘palatschinke’ derived from Latin and Greek words meaning “flat cake”. Bavarian crepes are a variation with a thicker batter and are popular in southeastern Germany. |
| Variations | Sweet crepes with fruit, whipped cream, or chocolate; savory crepes with meat, cheese, or vegetables |
| Alternatives | Palatschinken, Kaiserschmarrn, Blintzes |
| Ideas for Celebrating | Host a crepe party, visit a local restaurant, organize a cooking competition |
| Fun Facts | Bavarian crepes are not actually from Bavaria, they are similar to French crepes but the batter is used right away instead of resting before cooking |
Hi, I’m Jenny. I have many interests and, some would say, eclectic passions. A few words that best describe me? Hmm, well… Amateur surfer, professional traveler, food lover and writer extraordinaire. Oh, and lover of all furry, four-legged creatures!
