pillows of delight
Aebleskiver are round Danish pancakes, originally just a dough surrounding apple slices for a simple but tasty snack. I first heard about them when the unusual pan used to make them was introduced as a challenge on a cooking competition show. And when I saw someone demonstrate how to make them, I was intrigued. I have been wanting to try it ever since.
Aebleskiver: A New Take on Traditional Danish Pancakes takes these little round pancakes to a new level. Written by Pim Pauline Overgaard, a designer for Williams Sonoma Home and the creator of a line of gluten-free Swedish food mixes, it’s a tribute to the possibilities these round treats offer up. Overgaard is neither Danish nor a chef, but she understands flavors and style, and the photography in these pages is breathtaking.
An aebleskiver pan is required to make the signature shape, but these recipes also translate to a frying pan, where they would make flat pancakes that taste just as good. So you can always taste test the recipes before you invest in the aebleskiver pan. The shape of the pancake is said to come from the Vikings, who would come home from war and celebrate with the aebleskiver that they baked over the fire in the marks left in their shields.
The cookbook is divided into 3 basic sections. First, there are the recipes for the basic doughs, including classic, gluten-free, vegan, paleo, keto, and several that use yeast. Second are the recipes for the sweet aebleskiver, and third are the recipes for savory ones. And throughout, there are recipes that are gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian, all clearly labeled for those who want them.
Some of the recipes are simple. but others are complex and create layers of flavor between the aebleskiver and the sauces and accompaniments. So you can go with a Mascarpone Peach Aebleskiver with Vanilla Syrup, Blueberry Cornbread Aebleskiver with Blueberry Syrup, Gingerbread Aebleskiver with Lingonberry Cream and Honey Glaze, or Chocolate Lava Aebleskiver with Whipped Cream and Gold Leaf.
If you’re looking for something savory to get everyone talking, there is the Cheddar and Chive Aebleskiver with Avocado and Endive Salad and Buttermilk Dressing, Fried Potato Aebleskiver with Feta and Fried Egg, Cranberry Bacon Aebleskiver with Roasted Pecans and Cranberry Sauce, Fresh Basil and Mozzarella-Stuffed Aebleskiver with Chili-Lime Dressing, Cheesy Chorizo Aebleskiver with Heirloom Tomato Salad, Baked Pizza Aebleskiver with Olives and Pepperoni, and Charcoal and Octopus Aebleskiver with Beet-Pickled Inion and Saffron Aioli.
There are 70 recipes in total, but once you get the hang of making aebleskiver, the possibilities are endless. And when it comes to making them look beautiful on the plate, these photos are inspiring. There is a photo of every sweet and savory recipe along with presentation ideas that include fresh herbs, fruit, nuts, or edible flowers. Between the recipe combinations and the beautiful pictures, this book is filled with inspirational ideas about small, round Danish pancakes, and while I probably won’t make most of these recipes myself, they are making me think about what is possible and what is beautiful and the deliciousness of pancakes with tasty fillings.
Egalleys for Aebleskiver were provided by The Collective Book Studio through NetGalley, with many thanks.
