Breakfast has been called the most important meal of the day. It helps with maintaining a healthy weight, starts your metabolism for the day, and reduces your risk of health problems. It also provides the necessary energy to get you through your activities and focus on your tasks. Waffles, pancakes, and crepes are popular choices for breakfast, but have you ever wondered what the difference is between these three common items?
Waffles
Waffles originate in Belgium, and contain flour, baking powder, sugar, eggs, and milk. The amount of sugar in the batter, along with the way it’s cooked is responsible for the crunchy outer shell signature to a waffle. The greased, dual-sided griddle causes the outside of the waffle to fry slightly, and the sugar caramelizes just a little bit. As the outside crisps, the inside of the waffle bakes, resulting in the soft, fluffy interior. The indentations are excellent for pooling syrup, butter, or jams, and waffles are sturdy enough to support heavier toppings as well.
Pancakes
Pancakes, also referred to by a variety of other names, are thin, flat, bread cakes created with the same ingredients as waffles in different amounts. They are also excellent for mixing ingredients in and creating flavours like blueberry, cinnamon, or chocolate chip pancakes. Once the ingredients are combined, the batter is poured out onto a flat surface and flipped to cook each side. When they’re finished, they are traditionally served in a stack. They are denser and more moist than waffles, and act like a sponge, soaking up the liquids poured over them such as syrup, melted butter, and chocolate. Their outer surface doesn’t crisp and instead stays the same texture as the inside. Pancakes are typically round, although they can be poured into fun shapes, and pancake art is becoming a popular trend.
Crepes
Crepes find their origin in France. They contain the same ingredients as pancakes and waffles minus baking powder. When the baking powder is removed, the component responsible for rising is gone which is how crepes stay so thin and flat. Often, there is less sugar in crepe batter as well, leading to their ability to be used in sweet or savoury dishes. Instead of being overly sweet, they tend to taste slightly more egg-like. They are great when served with fruits, whipped cream, chocolate, and a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top, but taste equally delicious when paired with ham, cheese, peppers, and onions.
Start Your Day with A Healthy Fast Food Option
Eating healthy on the go is possible when you make smart selections, including nutritious meals to begin your day when you don’t have the time to make something on the way out the door. Whether you’re looking for a sweet or savoury selection for breakfast, Crepe Delicious has a wide variety of options available to suit your tastes. Browse our menu to decide what fits your craving, and then visit a location near you to start your day off right!
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