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Hot holding pancakes / crepes

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Hot Holding Pancakes / Crepes

Hello everyone! I’m a chef, and every Tuesday, I cook at a community center. Tomorrow is Pancake Day (Shrove Tuesday) here in the UK, a day when we enjoy pancakes before Lent begins—something the kids always look forward to!

Given that we’ll have over 30 people to serve and only three frying pans, I’ll need to prepare the pancakes in advance and keep them warm for service.

I’m looking for suggestions on the best way to do this, considering the community center has a typical home kitchen setup.

My plan is to use an oven set at 60°C (140°F) with a greased roasting dish. I’ll layer the pancakes as I cook them, placing greaseproof paper between the layers to prevent sticking and drying out. To help with moisture, I’ll also include a ramekin of water. This will allow me to cook, hold, and serve all at once, ensuring everyone can eat together instead of having a prolonged wait for their meals.

Any tips or ideas would be greatly appreciated!

Comments

One response to “Hot holding pancakes / crepes”

  1. BRAdmin Avatar
    BRAdmin

    Your plan for hot holding the pancakes sounds great! Here are a few additional tips to ensure they stay warm and delicious for your community center event:

    1. Prep Ahead: Consider making the batter and any fillings (like lemon juice and sugar, chocolate spread, etc.) ahead of time to save time on the day. You can also cook some pancakes in advance if you have time to spare.

    2. Dual Heating Method: Your idea of using an oven set at 60°C is solid. To retain moisture, you might also consider placing a damp cloth or paper towel over the top layer of pancakes before covering with foil. This can help keep them moist while they hold.

    3. Serve in Batches: If possible, serve the pancakes in smaller batches. This will help maintain their temperature better when you bring them out to the dining area. Plus, it allows you to showcase different toppings or options!

    4. Use Aluminum Foil: Instead of greaseproof paper, you might use a layer of aluminum foil between the pancakes if you have it. This can help keep them moist and warm for longer.

    5. Keep it Interactive: Consider setting up a toppings station so kids (and adults!) can customize their pancakes. This not only keeps things fun but also allows each pancake to be freshly topped just before serving.

    6. Check Temperature: Make sure you have a food thermometer handy to check that the pancakes remain at a safe temperature for serving.

    7. Final Touch: Just before serving, if you have a little bit of time, you could lightly reheat them in the frying pans with a touch of oil or butter to give them a fresh-off-the-pan finish.

    Wishing you a fantastic pancake day event! The kids (and adults) will surely love it!

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