myMEGusta

A Crepe-y Salute to the French on Bastille Day!

Buckwheat Crepe near Chateau Blois in the Loire Valley

Creperie in Landevennec, Brittany

It’s July 14, a day of celebration for the French and for Francophiles (that’s anyone who likes good food).

And, what’s more French than a crepe? But, there are crepes, and then there are CREPES!

They are ubiquitous in Brittany, somewhat in Loire Valley and other popular tourist destinations, and in kiosks everywhere

Crepe Kiosk

. A favorite place to enjoy one is Paris’s Jardin de Luxembourg, where one can be purchased as a breakfast treat, eaten while strolling among the flowers and sculptures.

French crepes come in two general formats, “sucree” (sweet) and “salee” (savory), the latter being perfect for lunches, or even breakfast if you don’t need a sugar rush in the morning.

On a recent trip to the Loire Valley and Brittany, myMEGusta had an even bigger treat: the option of regular versus buckwheat flour, usually opting for the latter for extra flavor.

Crab Appetizer with Buckwheat Crepes in Quiberon, Brittany

The best of the local chefs incorporate little buckwheat crepes into other dishes from time to time, for a real regional touch. This crabmeat appetizer in Quiberon, Brittany, was cool and impeccably fresh tasting (because it came straight from a boat there), served on tiny, tasty buckwheat crepes, hot from the pan, a great contrast.

Crossing the ocean, part of Quebec’s culinary heritage is in the form of crepes in an entirely different style, more robust, made simply from wheat flour, eggs, and milk, and an old fashioned breakfast staple, served with real maple syrup.

Crepes with Maple Syrup

You can find myMEGusta’s grandmother’s recipe in the Lodge Cast Iron cookbook: https://www.lodgemfg.com/cookbooks-and-videos/the-lodge-cast-iron-cookbook.asp

In contrast, and also delicious, are Crepes Suzette, a confection finished table side in old-fashioned French restaurants. All it takes are some sweet crepes, orange juice, some orange zests, flaming liqueur and a nice tip to the waiter after the show.

Crepes Suzette

An ambitious home cook can make dessert crepes, too, with less bravado, but delicious, especially for guests: prepare some simple crepes ahead of time (or find a store that sells them), pull out at the last minute and create an elegant dessert for guests simply by adding some fruit in season and (to be really decadent) some whipped cream and/or ice cream.

Yes, you can do this at home!