Crispy Crepes with Apple, Brie and Prosciutto

(click on above image for 6 additional photos)

Thanksgiving is always about the dinner, and it seems as though every food story and recipe out there features the turkey, side dishes or dessert for the main meal. So, I thought I’d do something a little different and present you with a “morning after” meal, otherwise known as “not-turkey.”

I know turkey sounds really good right now, because you’ve waited patiently all year for the appropriate time to pig out on that bird. On the big day, you’ll spend four hours clawing at the oven door, tantalized by the smell of roasting turkey. Then you’ll sit down, and for the next eight minutes, you’ll stuff yourself with massive forkfuls of turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, cranberry sauce and dinner rolls, working your way clockwise back to the turkey. There are seconds and perhaps thirds for those who temporarily convert a left butt-cheek into a second stomach.

Crispy Crepes with Apple, Brie and Prosciutto

After the turkey marathon, belts are loosened (or in my case, I’m smart and wear elastic) and round bodies roll toward the family room to settle into a comfy spot for the standard 12-hour turkey coma.

The next day? Trust me when I say no matter how you incorporate leftover turkey in your meal, it’s not going to be appetizing. Generally, I give myself at least three days before I try to bring back the leftovers in some form of soup, casserole or sandwich.

You’ll be so glad that you clipped this recipe, because Crispy Crepes with Apple, Brie and Prosciutto makes a fantastic light morning-after brunch.

It’s a recipe from Tyler Florence’s Real Kitchen: An Indispensable Guide for Anybody Who Likes to Cook, and I just love how the homemade crepe crisps up in the oven – sort of like a super-thin pizza. Serve these with a salad.

Crispy Crepe with Apple Brie Prosciutto

Crispy Crepes with Apple, Brie and Prosciutto Recipe

from Tyler Florence’s Real Kitchen: An Indispensable Guide for Anybody Who Likes to Cook

Basic Crepe Batter

1 cup milk
1/4 cup cold water
2 eggs
1 cup all-purpose flour
3 tablespoons butter, melted (plus more for sautéing the crepes)

Combine the milk, water, eggs and flour in a blender. Blend on medium speed for 15 seconds, until the batter is smooth and lump free. Scrape down the sides of the blender and pour in 3 tablespoons of the melted butter. Blend it again for a second just to incorporate. Refrigerate the batter for 1 hour to let it rest. If the crepes are made immediately, they have a tendency to be rubbery; when you let the batter rest, the crepes have a better texture and softer bite.

Put an 8-inch crepe pan or nonstick skillet over medium heat and brush with a little melted butter. Pour 1/4 cup of batter into the pan and swirl around so it covers the bottom evenly; pour back any excess. Cook for 30-45 seconds, until the batter sets. Use a rubber spatula to loosen the edges of the crepe, flip the crepe and cook for another 30 seconds. The crepes should be pliable, not crisp, and lightly brown. Slide them onto a platter and continue making the crepes. Cover the stack of crepes with a towel to keep them from drying out. Store leftover crepes by tightly wrapping in plastic wrap and refrigerating for up to 3 days.

Makes 10 (8-inch) crepes

for the Crispy Crepes with Apple, Brie and Prosciutto

1 recipe Basic Crepe Batter (above)
Extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 cup apple butter
1/2 pound thinly sliced prosciutto
2 Granny Smith apples, cored and thinly sliced
10 ounces Brie cheese, sliced
1 bunch watercress or arugula
Freshly ground black pepper

Make the crepes from the recipe above (you’ll only need 4 crepes). Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Brush olive oil on 2 baking sheets. Lay 2 crepes side-by-side on each baking sheet. Spread the apple butter on each crepe. Layer apples and prosciutto on each crepe slice. Bake for 10-12 minutes, rotating the baking sheets (top shelf to bottom shelf) halfway through until crisp like a thin pizza. Take the crepes out of the oven and lay a few slices of the brie on top so it melts slightly. Add a handful of watercress or baby lettuce and several turns of freshly ground black pepper.

Makes 4 servings