My former coworker Lea and I would sometimes catch an early breakfast at The Original Pancake House in Bethesda, about four blocks from the office. I would get any manner of breakfast fare, but Lea stuck to one item, the Dutch Baby pancake. Like a large popover, it came blanketed in confectioner’s sugar and was piping hot. I never ordered one, but would watch with interest as Lea would squirt half a lemon over top before slicing it like a pie into wedges. Years later I attempted one at home, and I’m now a convert. Here is how to make them.
Ingredients:
2 eggs
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup sifted all-purpose flour
1 pinch ground nutmeg
1 tablespoon sugar
1 pinch salt
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons confectioners’ sugar for dusting
Directions:
1. Place a 10-inch cast iron skillet inside oven and preheat oven to 475 degrees F (245 degrees C).
2. In a medium bowl, beat eggs with a whisk until light and a little fluffy. Add milk and stir. Gradually whisk in flour, nutmeg, sugar and salt.
3. Remove skillet from oven and reduce oven heat to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C). Melt butter in hot skillet so that inside of skillet is completely coated with butter. Pour all the batter in the skillet and return skillet to oven.
4. Bake until puffed and lightly browned, about 12 minutes. Remove promptly and sprinkle with powdered sugar.
5. Optionally, fill in the middle part with blueberries, sliced strawberries, bananas, or cooked apple slices.
Trans/plant/portation 
Um-yum, I LOVE Dutch Baby Pancakes! I make ’em without sugar and nutmeg, and put creamed vegetables (or meat) or chicken (or tuna) salad over them.
I’ve heard that people eat them as a savory base for other things—I just haven’t done so myself. Then again, I don’t make non-sweet cornbread, either. But I could give that a try! Thanks for the recommendation, Marian!
Dutch or Deutsch? I’ve never heard of this before, though it sounds yummy.
I believe it’s Deutsch, not actually Dutch. It’s Dutch in the same way that “Pennsylvania Dutch” are actually German. But because I’m part Dutch, when I make it, it’s Dutch, damn it!