Kaiserschmarren

Kaiserschmarren, traditionally also called Kaiserschmarrn, is a typical Austrian dessert, a kind of pancake cut into pieces and often served with powdered sugar and currant jam or other fruits. Although it is a typically Austrian dish, I can suggest a slight Italian variation, perhaps serving it with a jam made from local wild berries. Here’s how to prepare them:

Ingredients

• 4 eggs, separated
• 60 g of sugar
• 1 pinch of salt
• 250 ml of milk
• 200 g of flour
• Butter for cooking
• Powdered sugar for garnishing
• Wild berry jam for serving

Preparation

1. Beat the egg whites until stiff with a pinch of salt.
2. In another bowl, mix the yolks with the sugar until the mixture is light and frothy.
3. Alternately add milk and flour to the mixture of yolks and sugar, mixing gently to maintain a smooth and uniform consistency.
4. Gently fold the stiff egg whites into the batter, trying not to deflate them.
5. Melt a knob of butter in a non-stick pan over medium-high heat.
6. Pour the mixture into the pan and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown. With the help of two forks or a spatula, scramble the Kaiserschmarren into irregular pieces.
7. When golden brown, sprinkle them with powdered sugar and serve hot with a side of wild berry jam.

Kaiserschmarren has an interesting history: it is said to have been the favorite sweet of the Austro-Hungarian Emperor Franz Joseph I. Their simple yet delicious preparation has made them popular in many countries outside of Austria. Enjoy your meal!