Perfecting your crepe-making technique is essential, and with practice, you’ll soon be an expert in crafting these delightful French treats.

What options do you have for serving crepes? You can enjoy them plain with a dusting of powdered sugar, or you might choose to spread some jam, preserves, or a homemade hazelnut praline paste on top.

The concept of Beggar’s Purses is quite fascinating, isn’t it? Imagine presenting your guests with crepes that resemble charming little bags. This delightful presentation style adds an element of surprise that will surely impress everyone!

The Beggar’s Purses, or aumônières de crêpes aux pommes in French, showcase a delightful twist on traditional apple crepes, transforming them into an elegant dessert.

What is a Beggar’s Purse?

A Beggar’s Purse is initially known as a savory dish comprising a crepe filled with caviar and a dollop of crème fraîche, artfully gathered at the edges and tied with chives. Over time, this concept has evolved into a dessert with various sweet fillings.

The Origin of Beggar’s Purse Dessert

The name “Beggar’s Purse” refers to its resemblance to the pouch-shaped bags that were historically worn by beggars, used to carry alms. This culinary tradition dates back to the 14th century when giving cash to those in need was considered an act of charity in Christian communities. In French, Beggar’s Purse is translated as “aumônière de crêpes”, where “aumônière” translates to “chaplain.”

Creative Sweet Filling Ideas for Beggar’s Purses

• Caramelized apples (recipe below)
• A delightful mix of caramelized fruits such as apples, pears, and mandarins
• Caramelized bananas or pineapples
• Peaches paired with candied ginger and cottage cheese
• Mango adorned with passion fruit

Materials for Tying Your Crepe Purses

• A long sprig of blanched chives
• Strips of fresh or candied orange or lemon peel
• Licorice laces
• Half of a vanilla pod
• Toothpicks with small pieces of fruit at each end
• Kitchen string
• Raffia
• Bamboo skewers

Why You Should Embrace This Recipe

1. This straightforward recipe elevates French crepes into a sophisticated dessert.
2. Prep your crepes in advance, allowing more time to enjoy with your guests on the day of serving.
3. Utilize seasonal fruits to create an endless variety of delightful sweet fillings.

Ingredients for Beggar’s Purses

For a detailed list of ingredients and instructions, please refer to the recipe card below.

• Eggs: Use whole, large eggs at room temperature.
• Flour: All-purpose flour works best.
• Milk: Whole milk, reduced-fat (2%), or low-fat (1%) milk is suitable.
• Vanilla Extract: Go for Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Extract for the best flavor.
• Orange Flower Water: Adds a lovely aroma to the batter, but can be omitted if you prefer.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the crepes.
• Butter: Unsalted melted butter for the batter; use unsalted butter cut into small cubes for making the caramel.
• Apples: Golden or Granny Smith apples hold their shape well during cooking.
• Sugar: Granulated white sugar is required for the caramelization.
• Orange Juice: Freshly squeezed for the best taste, or you can use store-bought.
• Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon enhances the flavor of the caramelized apples.

Crafting Your Beggar’s Purses

Step 1: Prepare the Crepe Batter
Begin by sifting flour into a spacious bowl. Integrate eggs, salt, vanilla extract, and orange flower water, mixing with a hand whisk. Gradually add cold milk and water while mixing thoroughly. Once combined, pour in melted butter and whisk again. Allow the batter to rest for two hours at room temperature.

Step 2: Cooking the Crepes
Pour about ¼ cup (a ladleful) of batter into a heated crepe pan, tilting and rotating to ensure it evenly coats the pan’s surface. Cook until the edges turn golden and separate from the pan; then, flip and let cook until both sides are browned. Repeat the process with the remaining batter.

Step 3: Making the Apple Filling
Peel and dice the apples into small cubes. In a pan, melt sugar with a splash of water until it forms a caramel. Add butter, stirring with a wooden spatula before incorporating apple cubes, orange juice, and a sprinkle of cinnamon. Cook over a low-medium flame for around ten minutes until the apples are caramelized.

Step 4: Assemble the Purses
Spoon a tablespoon of caramelized apples onto each crepe. Fold the crepe into a purse shape, gathering the edges towards the center, and secure with toothpicks. Serve warm, allowing guests to enjoy one or two purses per serving.

Expert Tips for Success

1. Refer to this no-fail French Crepes recipe for additional tips and tricks.
2. Consider making crepes a day in advance and storing them wrapped in plastic film for convenience.
3. Using Golden or Granny Smith apples ensures they retain their texture during cooking.

If You Love Apple Desserts, Try These Next!

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I prepare the crepes in advance?

Absolutely! You can make the crepes a day or two in advance. Just ensure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in the refrigerator to keep them fresh. When ready to use, you can simply reheat them on a skillet before assembling.

2. What fruits can I use other than apples for the filling?

Feel free to experiment with various fruits! Pears, peaches, and even berries work splendidly as fillings. You can also mix different fruits for a more complex flavor profile.

3. Are there any gluten-free options for the crepe batter?

Yes, you can easily make gluten-free crepes using a gluten-free flour blend or almond flour. Be sure to check the texture and consistency, as gluten-free flours can behave differently from all-purpose flour.

4. How do I store leftover Beggar’s Purses?

To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They should be consumed within a couple of days. To reheat, place them in a frying pan over low heat or in the microwave.

5. Can I freeze Beggar’s Purses?

While it’s not ideal, you may freeze the individual crepes separately by placing parchment paper between them to prevent sticking. However, it’s best to assemble and enjoy the purses fresh for the optimal texture and flavor.