Saturday Beefcake

The photo is of one of the late Bill Costa's favourite subjects whom we only know as Sean. Wherever Sean is, it is hoped he knows that 12 or so years later he is still very much appreciated, much like a crispy fall day with something warm and toasty from the oven.

This American recipe for what is called Austrian Pancake requires a heavy cast iron skillet, about 10 inches in circumference, and an oven preheated to 375F. It's great on crispy fall mornings.

1 cup unsifted all-purpose flour
3/4 tablespoons sea salt
2 tablespoons sugar
3 eggs
2 cups milk
1 cup light cream
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Confectioner's sugar
Cinnamon
Apricot Preserves

1. Into a medium bowl sift the flour with the sugar and salt.
2. Beat the eggs adding the milk and cream until well blended.
3. Stir the egg mixture into the flour mixture until smooth.
4. Heat the butter in the skillet until it sizzles and then turn the batter into it.
5. Bake it in the skillet in the oven for about a half hour until it is set and golden.
6. Sprinkle with confectioner's sugar and cinnamon. Serve with the preserves. (Serves 6)

It might be the one thing on a crispy autumn morning to get a body out of bed. Of course, it might also be something delicious to return to bed with, i.e. the pancake and not the young man waiting on the front porch. Then again there's nothing stopping you from inviting him in to enjoy it with you. Actually, invite him in to enjoy both of you in the bed.