Crepes: A Taste of Joy

This recipe carries more than just flavour—it holds memories of resilience, love, and the simple joys that found their way into even the most uncertain times.

During the civil war in Sri Lanka, my parents made the heart-wrenching decision to leave everything behind in search of safety. My father went first, settling in France with hopes of building a better life. My mother followed shortly after with my baby sister. I was left behind, and those months felt like an eternity. Eventually, at age six, I reunited with them in a new world that was both terrifying and exciting.

Though the transition was difficult, food was and has always been our universal language of comfort and connection. My Sri Lankan parents, always expressive with meals, showed their love with every dish they placed before me. One of the first foods I came to adore in France was the crepe. Soft, warm, and comforting—crepes were a staple in every French household, and they quickly became one in ours too.

Now, living in Canada, I make these for my children. It’s not just about the crepes—it’s about creating that same feeling of warmth, love, and belonging that my parents once gave me.

Simple Crepe Recipe

Ingredients:

• 5 eggs

• 3 tablespoons sugar

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• 1 cup milk

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 3 tablespoons water (to thin the batter)

• ½ cup melted butter (plus more for the pan)

• A pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. Whisk the eggs and sugar in a large mixing bowl until smooth.

2. Add the flour and whisk until a thick, smooth batter forms, similar to a dough consistency.

3. Gradually add the milk in small amounts, whisking continuously to thin the batter and avoid lumps.

4. Once smooth, stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.

5. Add the melted butter and mix until fully incorporated.

6. Stir in the water to adjust the consistency if needed—it should be thin and pourable.

7. Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat and lightly grease it with butter.

8. Pour in a ladle of batter and swirl to coat the pan in a thin layer.

9. Cook for 1–2 minutes until the edges begin to lift, then flip and cook for another minute.

10. Serve warm with your favourite toppings: sugar and lemon juice, jam, Nutella, or fresh fruit. If you feel adventurous, serve with a mango puree.