Part of the magic of being on the ski slopes in Italy is the food! Kaiserschmarren is a classic South Tyrolean specialty that is easy to create at home.

This sweet hearty pancake-like dish is cooked over the stove to golden brown perfection, torn apart into bite size pieces, sprinkled with powdered sugar, and served lukewarm with jam. It is perfect as a dessert after a meal or as an afternoon tea. Place it in the middle of the table for family and friends to share.

Signora Bibiana from Hotel Tyrol in Selva di Valgardena has kindly agreed to share with us her family recipe.

Servings: 4 (1 pancake)

Ingredients:

• 150g plain flour
• 100ml milk
• 100ml fresh pure cream
• 1 tsp vanilla sugar
• 6 eggs (separated)
• Rum (to your liking)
• Pinch of salt
• 40g raisins
• 40g granulated sugar
• 2 tbs unsalted butter
• Icing sugar (to your liking)
• Your choice of fruit jam/ preserves or fruit compote (cold or lukewarm)

Method:

• Soak raisins in rum
• Preheat oven to 200°C.
• Whisk the flour, milk, cream, yolks, vanilla sugar and rum until smooth in a large bowl.
• Using an electric mixer lightly beat the egg whites and salt until frothy. Add the sugar and beat until soft peaks form.
• Gently fold the egg whites into the flour mixture.
• Drain raisins. Add reserve rum to the batter.
• Heat 1 tbs of butter in a big oven proof frying pan, pour in the batter, sprinkle with raisins. Cook at medium heat until base is golden brown then turn (if difficult to turn, cut the pancake in half first).
• Transfer the pan to the oven and cook for 3-5 minutes until base is golden brown.
• Break the pancake into rough 2-4cm pieces with two forks.
• Return the pan to the stove, add remaining butter and dust generously with icing sugar. Toss frequently until sugar caramelised.
• Serve on lukewarm plates with more icing sugar and your choice of jam/ compote

                                                                                   Buon Appetito!

Tips

• Omit rum for a kids’ friendly version
• Add slices of fresh apples or cored cherries instead of raisins to experience different flavours
• To add extra texture sprinkle crushed walnuts or hazelnuts