February 2nd marks National Crepe Day, also known as La Chandeleur, a French holiday steeped in tradition and deliciousness. Originally a religious celebration, La Chandeleur commemorates Candlemas, the day Jesus was presented at the temple, falling exactly 40 days after Christmas. Over time, this day has become synonymous with the delightful custom of enjoying crepes.

A Rich History and Unique Superstitions

The tradition of eating crepes on La Chandeleur has evolved beyond its religious roots, becoming a beloved part of the festivities. The name “crêpe” is derived from the Old French word “crespe,” meaning “curled,” which in turn comes from the Latin “crispa.” These thin, delicate pancakes have a fascinating folklore surrounding them:

• Timing is Everything: Some say you shouldn’t eat your crepes until after 8 PM.
• The Lucky Flip: Flip the first crepe with your right hand while holding a coin in your left to ensure good fortune.
• Coin on the Crepe: Place a coin on top of a crepe while it cooks for a prosperous year.
• Save the First: Keeping the first crepe in a drawer is said to ward off sadness and scarcity.

Crepes are a lighter, more versatile cousin to the pancake. Unlike the heavier, doughy feel of traditional pancakes, crepes are known for their airy, delicate texture. They can be filled with anything from sweet fruits and chocolate to savory meats and cheeses, making them perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

While the day began as a religious observance in France, it has now become a global celebration. People gather to enjoy crepe-themed feasts with friends and family, often accompanied by a round bowl of hard cider, another La Chandeleur tradition. Much like Groundhog Day, this holiday also has weather-related folklore: if it rains on La Chandeleur, expect 40 more days of showers!

National Crepe Day is the perfect excuse to indulge in this versatile treat. Whether you’re a fan of sweet or savory, there’s a crepe combination for everyone. So, grab your pan, get flipping, and join in this delightful tradition that brings a little bit of France to plates around the world!

Classic Crepe Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• Optional: 1 tablespoon sugar (for sweet crepes)
• Extra butter or oil for cooking

Instructions:

1. Mix the Batter:
   • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and eggs.
   • Gradually add the milk and water, stirring to combine.
   • Add the salt and melted butter, and whisk until the batter is smooth and has no lumps. If making sweet crepes, add the sugar at this stage.
   • For the best results, let the batter rest for about 30 minutes at room temperature. This helps the gluten relax and results in a more tender crepe.
2. Cook the Crepes:
   • Heat a lightly oiled non-stick skillet or crepe pan over medium-high heat.
   • Pour about 1/4 cup of batter into the pan, tilting and rotating it to spread the batter evenly across the surface.
   • Cook the crepe for about 1-2 minutes, or until the edges start to lift and the underside is lightly browned.
   • Flip the crepe using a spatula and cook the other side for about 30 seconds to 1 minute.
   • Transfer the crepe to a plate and cover it with a clean kitchen towel to keep it warm.
   • Repeat with the remaining batter, adding more oil or butter to the pan as needed.
3. Serve:
   • Fill the crepes with your favorite fillings. For sweet crepes, try Nutella, fresh fruit, whipped cream, or powdered sugar. For savory crepes, consider ham and cheese, sautéed mushrooms, or spinach and feta.
   • Fold or roll the crepes and serve immediately.

Tips:

• If the batter seems too thick, add a little more milk to thin it out.
• For an extra smooth batter, blend it in a blender instead of whisking by hand.
• Crepes can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days or frozen for up to 2 months. Just reheat them in a warm skillet before serving.

Enjoy your homemade crepes!