Recipe: Plaatkoekies
Crumpets are one of those baked goods that have been around for centuries and are still loved today as a comfort food. They were first made in England in the 17th century and were known as "flapjacks" back then. Traditional crumpets were made using leftover bread dough that was enriched with milk and butter and then cooked on a griddle.
Over time, crumpets became a staple in many countries around the world, including Namibia and South Africa. Here, crumpets are known as "plaatkoekies" which can be translated to "plate cakes" in English. They are a breakfast and brunch favorite, often served with syrup, honey, or butter. My own grandmother makes the best plaatkoekies and over time I’ve tweaked the recipe to include a pinch of nutmeg and cinnamon to the batter, which gives them a lovely flavor and aroma. The outside is crispy, while the inside is fluffy and golden. I love serving them warm with butter and syrup or fresh fruit and yoghurt - a hug on a plate!
If you'd like to try your hand at making these delicious crumpets, here's my recipe:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, add the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. Mix well.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg and add the milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Mix together.
3. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix well with a wooden spoon or whisk until well combined.
4. Add the nutmeg and cinnamon and mix well.
5. On a hot griddle or non-stick pan, add a small amount of butter and wait until it melts.
6. Using a soup spoon, drop spoonfuls of batter onto the griddle (about 3-4 inches in diameter). Cook on a low-medium heat until bubbles form on the surface and the edges start to dry.
7. Flip the crumpets over and cook for another minute or until golden brown.
8. Serve hot with toppings of your choice.
These crumpets are perfect for a lazy weekend breakfast or brunch and are a comfort food that will stick with you for a lifetime. Don't be afraid to make them your own by adding your own personal twist to my recipe. Happy baking!