Poffertjes ( Pancakes)

Poffertjes, (pronounced puff' ur jis) or Dutch Mini Pancakes are small, fluffy yeasted treats made in a special cast iron pan. Sold throughout the Netherlands, Poffertjes are traditionally served hot with a pat of butter and a good sprinkling of confectioners' sugar.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups (12 ounces, 350 ml) milk, heated to about 105° F (See Tip 1)

• 2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast

• 1 3/4 cups (8.75 ounces, 250 grams) all-purpose flour

• 2 Tablespoons granulated sugar

• Pinch of salt

• 1 large egg

• Unsalted butter (See Tip 2)

• Confectioners' sugar for sprinkling on Poffertjes

Instructions

1. Add yeast to lukewarm milk; stir to combine. Allow to sit for about 10 minutes or until frothy.

2. Whisk together flour, sugar and salt in a large bowl. Add milk/yeast mixture and egg. Beat with electric mixer on high until smooth, about 1 minute. (See Tip 3)

3. Cover bowl with plastic wrap; let sit until bubbly and doubled in size, about 45 minutes.

4. Heat Poffertjes pan on medium heat until hot, 3 to 4 minutes. Brush cavities with melted butter. Add about 1 tablespoon of batter to each of the cavities. When small bubbles start to appear and the top starts to look a bit dried out, quickly flip Poffertjes. (See Tips 4 and 5)

5. Allow Poffertjes to cook on other side until nicely browned, about 2 minutes. Remove from pan. Repeat with remaining batter.

6. Serve hot with a pat of butter and sprinkling of confectioners' sugar. Yield, about 60 Poffertjes.

Notes

1. I used whole milk. However, you could also use low-fat milk. I heated the milk in my microwave on full power for about a minute.

2. I melted about a tablespoon of butter to use for greasing the cavities of the Poffertjes pan. 

3. I could have also used a whisk to beat the ingredients together to form a smooth batter.

4. If you've ever made pancakes, you should know how they look when it's time to flip them over - small bubbles appearing and the top looking a bit dried out.

5. While cooking the Poffertjes, watch the heat carefully. You might need to lower the heat just a little bit to prevent the Poffertjes from burning.