“Dutch Babies” (serves 4 or more, depending)
This is wonderfully easy version of “puffed” pancakes that you cook all all at once in the oven, rather than standing over a hot stove, cranking them out a few at a time. It’s best baked in a large cast iron skillet, but the recipe is easily doubled using two 9×13 casseroles that will fit in the oven side by side on the same rack (leaving room above to allow for rising. Also, if you use enough fruit for topping, with maybe a side of bacon or sausage, you can stretch it to feed, as I often have, an entire basketball team or a birthday party sleepover. When my children were growing up, this was our standard Sunday night supper, and I’d make two pans _ one for four of us, and one for my oldest, who could eat more than any human I’ve ever met. (Years later, when he was a regular on a TV show called “Ed,” he had an entire scene based on his singular style of eating pancakes _ a scene so convincing several people, mostly men, have called it a television classic_ and he didn’t even have to act.)
Here’s how the recipe works:
Preheat oven to 425.
Melt in oven one stick (1/2 c.) butter in a cast iron skillet or 9×13 pan.
Mix in blender or by hand, 5 eggs, 1 c. milk and 1 c. flour until smooth.
Swirl melted butter in the pan to coat evenly, then pour in the batter.
Bake for about 20 minutes, until puffed and golden (center should be set, not runny.)
Meanwhile, prepare fruit topping: Fresh berries are great, but you can use canned or frozen fruit (yes, thaw it first.) I often use a large can of peaches, undrained, to which I add a half c. of sugar, 2 T. corn starch and a half stick of butter, then microwave on high for a few minutes until bubbly and thick. But the simplest (and my favorite) topping is just a squeeze of lemon juice, sweetened with a dusting of powdered sugar.
When you remove the pan from the oven, the batter will have risen gloriously, causing you to think, lest you had any doubt, that you are quite the cook. Which, no doubt, you are. But trust me on this, it WILL FALL. Count on it. Do not take it personally. Just smile and remind your guests that it’s supposed to fall, and they should just be glad to get it. Cut in wedges or squares, serve with fruit or lemon, and dust with powdered sugar. If somebody insists on having syrup, fine. Let them have it. But make them clean up. Happy eating.
Your column was one of the first things I read on Sunday morning. I’m going to miss this so much, reminded me so much of my childhood. We didn’t have a lot of money but always had food because of my grandparents gardens and her wonderful cooking. I missed you when you came to Salado, wondered why there wasn’t more in our paper before you came. One can only hope someone will come along and write about their years of growing up and tell us things as you did. Enjoy your retirement although I don’t think you’ll be sitting around, you’ll be traveling and enjoying those grand babies. Take care and know that you gave a lot of enjoyment to so many people with your stories.
I love your column also. You are so right about all you write about and it’s so refreshing and relatable. I started reading you when my mom told me her sister told her about you years ago and now we’re hooked. Sadly my aunt is blind now and can’t see to read your column but when she comes to visit my mom will share it with her. You are a ray of sunshine and so happy your back with all your family and you found so much happiness .I also made Dutch babies and shared with my mom. Delicious. Thanks for sharing
Hi Sharon, I am looking for a very favorite article of yours that i would like to share with facebook friends called “Children don’t need much-but need to know they matter”. So many of our children in this world need to know they matter!! Love you articles
Lee, thank you so much for asking for that column (and especially for caring about children!) It was titled “Hope in the Autumn of Life,” dated Oct. 12, 2017. Here’s a link that should take you directly to it: http://sharonrandall.com/2012/10/hope-in-the-autumn-of-life-column-for-oct-9-2012/
All the best to you and your family!
Sharon
When I read a recent column about “retirement” I thought “oh no”. However by the time I finished I was happy to know I will continue to see your articles in our newspaper. I enjoy them so much. Laugh Out Loud term applies so many times reading your thoughts. Don’t hang up your hat yet.
Sharon,
Every time I read your column in our Sunday paper I feel the threads of many good memories. Your style of writing is for the heart, to the heart. Thank you. Have a great time speaking in Hope. My best to you,
Wooster, Ohio
Thanks, Jan, and all the best to you and your family!
Sharon
I have followed your column for a long time and love everything you write. I was especially touch by your story about your brother “Seeing what matters most”, that was printed in our Sunday edition of The Elkhart Truth on January 25, 2015. What an inspiration he is to all that know and love him. Your columns inspire me to be a better mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Thanks, and God Bless You. Keep up the great columns.
Love your lighthearted columns each week & seriously consider it the best section of our entire Sunday issue. Today’s column “Parting ways with stuff” made me stop & think about our families yearly summer trip to a lake in N. Minnesota. We are grandparents of four rowdy & amazing grandchildren, so somehow 10 of us survive a week in a 3 bedroom cabin. I have been known to take everything but the kitchen sink. This summer I might surprise everyone & just go “for the fun of it”! Thanks Sharon..you talked me into it. : ) When a grown-up or grandchild (all between ages 3 & 9) asks why I didn’t bring something, I can tell them to be creative and/or use imagination. When that doesn’t work…I will simply say “ask Sharon”. They will never know.
(All intended in good humor) Seriously, please don’t ever give up your column. It is wonderful & delightful reading.
Thanks for sharing. I am going to try this recipe this weekend.
Thank you. Saturday morning is pancake day!
Through your words, you stir up kindred feelings with this reader! Love, love, love your columns! You warm my heart, bring tears to my eyes, and make me laugh – with a talent that makes each reader feel a special bond with you. And now, you’re sharing a recipe that will endear you to my grandchildren. Thank you.
Thank you, Martha, you are lovely! Kiss those grandbabies for me!
Going to try your recipe for “Dutch Babies” even as I am sending this message. Guy and I will let you know how it comes out!!! Love to YOU and HAPPY NEW YEAR!!
I read your column everytime it appears in our local newspaper. I wanted to go see you when you were in Ft. Smith, Ark but found out about it too late. Love your column and the stories.
Hope you had a Blessed Merry Christmas and have an extra wonderful New Year from Van Buren, Ark.
I hope anybody who makes your dutch babies takes two aspirin immediately thereafter because
those babies are a recipe for a coronary. Paula Dean, another southern cook, likes to say she’s your chef, not your cardiologist but she should not be your executioner either.
I have enjoyed reading your column for years. Being a south Alabama girl with a heart for the north Georgia mountains I can relate to many of your childhood memories. Thank you for sharing your life and your family with us through your editorials. You make us stop and take time to remember the important things in life–God, family, friends, and comfort food!!! I wish for you and yours a great new year and look forward to reading your columns! God bless you REAL GOOD!
Love your columns. You can put into words what is in my heart. Will try the dutch babies recipe soon. Hope your Christmas was great and your new year wonderful.
I can’t wait to try Dutch Babies. Got anymore family recipes? I love your column. If, on the rare occasion it does not appear in the Saturday paper, I am miffed all day long.
Merry Christmas from North Carolina.
I wrote you a while back about how I enjoy reading your columns as my wife did before she died. You happened to be at your computer and replied immediately, which blew my mind, since I had assumed that my letter probably wouldn’t even be read, much less answered, much less within just a minute or two.
Anyway, I just printed out your Dutch Babies Recipe and expect to use it. I live alone since Jean died in 2005 and have tried for many years to eat healthy foods, so I mostly prepare my own food (vegetarian and now mostly certified organic), so to have a recipe like this to add to my rather limited repertoire is most welcome.
Wishing you a very nice an satisfying holiday season.
I love your column. It’s the only reason for buying our slim Saturday paper!