easy popovers: not just for men

by Stacy

My grandma was always hard to shop for; she didn’t need anything or want more stuff. Occasionally I would find some perfect small item (a coin purse she could actually unsnap or a necklace she didn’t have to clip), but eventually I came up with the perfect solution: coupons.

Over the years they became more elaborate with photos and perforations, but they started as simple Post-It notes. One would be good for a shopping trip to the mall, one would be good for a ride to a play or a picnic lunch or dessert from her favorite bakery.

One that I always included, though, was a trip to the flagship Dayton’s (later Marshall Fields, now Macy’s) store in downtown Minneapolis. We would go see the holiday exhibit on the 8th floor, then head up to the 12th floor to have lunch at the Oak Grill. A downtown institution since the 1940s, it also used to be a men’s club. Grandma remembered taking the streetcar downtown to meet my grandfather for lunch since she wasn’t allowed in without a male escort.

When we ate there, she giggled that the two of us “unattended” ladies could pop in anytime, even forty years later. She told me that story while we enjoyed the best part of the Oak Grill — complimentary popovers, baked fresh.

popovers

Popovers are so simple to make and dramatic to serve. The only downside is that they take 40 minutes to bake. It’s worth every second. The crust shatters and flakes to reveal a velvety, custard-like interior. They taste decadent, but with only 4 ingredients (none of which are butter), you can have two.

Use the baking time to read a book, make the rest of dinner, do some yoga, or whatever makes you happy.

popovers

I made these over Thanksgiving weekend in my mom’s cast iron popover pan since I don’t own one. You don’t need one, regular muffin tins or oven-safe custard cups also work. I misread the recipe and over-filled these. Instead of producing larger popovers like you might expect, the excess batter actually weighed them down. A second batch turned out much prettier but didn’t last long enough for photos.

Their name comes from the rapid oven spring which causes them to pop over the top of the pan.

popovers

Have you ever had a popover?

Popovers

Adapted from the 1969 printing of Betty Crocker’s Cookbook
Makes 12-16 popovers

I made half-recipes both times I whipped these up last week. Feel free to replace the milk with an alternative — I used unsweetened soy milk with no problem. It helps to have an oven with a window as you should avoid opening the oven door during baking. Some people recommend piercing the popovers with a knife to let the steam escape and prevent deflation. We serve them with butter and honey.

Ingredients:

  • 4 large eggs
  • 2 cups milk
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • butter or shortening for greasing

Directions:

  1. Heat oven to 450F. Grease 12 custard cups (5 ounces) or 16 muffin cups.
  2. Beat eggs slightly. Add milk, flour, and salt. Beat just until smooth. Do not overmix.
  3. Fill custard cups 1/2 full, muffin cups 3/4 full of batter. Bake at 450 for 25 minutes.
  4. Lower oven temperature to 350F and continue baking 15-20 minutes until popovers are deep golden brown. Remove from pan immediately and serve hot.

popovers


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{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }

Auntie Mona December 10, 2010 at 8:37 am

I went to the Oak Grill with my mom too! I remember when they changed it from Men’s Club to Anyone can go in Club. My mother was so excited to go there, we made a special trip from Morris to Mpls, just to eat at the Oak Grill! We could only go when Dad was with us, which didn’t happen often. They still have the popovers too. At our house, Uncle Tom is the popover maker. He makes them all the time. I adore them!!!

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Stacy December 10, 2010 at 6:08 pm

Wow, that’s a long drive for popovers! Not that it isn’t worth it. =)

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Alexandra December 10, 2010 at 9:00 am

Stacy, these look so yummy! I loved the story about your Grandmother too. It’s hard to believe that women “needed” escorts into certain places not too long ago and now there are single mothers raising families without fathers.

The buttery flakiness of the popovers look delicious :)

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Stacy December 10, 2010 at 6:12 pm

We had been there so many times when she told me the story. I didn’t even know! It is strange to think about.

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Simply Life December 11, 2010 at 1:21 pm

Oh I am definitely saving this recipe -these look amazing! Do you think it matters what kind of milk you us?

Reply

Stacy December 11, 2010 at 1:27 pm

Nope! I used soy milk with no ill effects. Dairy-wise, I assume that whole milk will yield a richer result than 2% or skim, but since it’s such a liquid-y batter it shouldn’t affect the baking time or anything.

Reply

Paige @ The Gravy Boat December 11, 2010 at 1:37 pm

I LOVE popovers but I’ve only had them a few times…I had no idea they were so easy to make! I’ll definitely have to try them at home.

Reply

Kimberly December 13, 2010 at 10:02 am

I love popovers! My recipe has butter in it, though :) The Dayton’s/Marshall Field’s/Macy’s in St. Paul’s restaurant has (had?) the same complimentary popovers. I always thought it felt very retro and classy.

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