Every year, Candlemas transforms our kitchens into veritable gourmet laboratories. Flour, eggs, milk… everyone has their favorite recipe. But some pancakes sometimes stay dull or not very airy, far from the golden and soft ideal that we dream of obtaining.
In my family, my grandmother found a simple but extremely effective tip: a cap of rum added directly to the dough. Simple and quick, this discreet gesture completely changes the texture and taste of the pancakes, without masking their natural flavor.
The gesture that changes the texture of your pancakes
Adding a cap of rum to the dough is not a whim: this small gesture allows the dough to
hold up better, swell slightly and remain soft even after a few hours.
It also affects cooking: the pancake colors evenly and develops a
subtle scent note, which makes every bite irresistible. This simple addition transforms pancakes into a treat worthy of a family Sunday.
Grandma’s recipe, step by step
Ingredients :
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250g flour
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3 eggs
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50 cl of milk
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2 tbsp. tablespoon of sugar
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1 pinch of salt
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50 g melted butter
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1 cap of rum
Preparation :
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Mix flour, sugar and salt.
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Add the eggs then the milk gradually, whisking to avoid lumps.
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Add the melted butter and the rum cap.
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Leave to rest for 30 minutes, then cook in a lightly buttered pan.
The pancakes obtained are
golden, soft and fragrant, just like my grandmother’s.
Why Rum Works So Well
Rum is not used to make pancakes alcoholic, but to reveal and enhance the aromas of the dough. It also affects the texture: the dough becomes softer, lighter and slightly airy.
This small gesture transforms the simple pancake into a gourmet experience, where the texture and aroma immediately appeal to young and old alike.
Gourmet variations to try
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Citrus zest: lemon or orange for a subtle scent.
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Spices: cinnamon or vanilla for a gourmet twist.
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Toppings: melted chocolate, caramel or fresh fruit for even more pleasure.
These variants enhance your pancakes while preserving the softness and lightness obtained thanks to the rum cork.
The story behind the secret
This gesture is a family ritual passed down for several generations. Every Candlemas, it recalls Sundays in the kitchen, the bursts of laughter and the scent of hot butter. Simple, discreet and effective, the rum cork has become the signature of our perfect crepes.
FAQ — Perfect Candlemas Pancakes
Why add rum to the dough?
It subtly perfumes and makes the dough more supple and light, for soft and airy pancakes.
Can we replace rum with another alcohol?
Yes, but rum remains the most classic for its sweet and slightly caramelized taste.
Should you let the dough rest?
Yes, at least 30 minutes for a homogeneous and supple dough.
How to prevent pancakes from sticking?
Heat the pan properly and lightly grease it with each pancake.
How much rum for the dough?
A single cap for around 250 g of flour is enough.
