Celebrate National Grand Marnier Day!
For Sir Ronald, Grand Marnier is his favorite after-dinner drink…
served in a large snifter, of course. I’ll take mine in Crepes Suzette, please. The classic French dessert is served with the famous orange liqueur flambéed, but there are other options.
Super Simple Crepes Suzette
6 pre-made crepes (homemade recipe follows, if you prefer)
Sauce:
½ c butter
¼ – 1/3 c granulated sugar
2 T fine, fresh orange zest
¼ – 1/3 c orange juice (fresh or purchased)
4 T Grand Marnier liqueur
2 T cognac or brandy, optional
1-2 T additional sugar
Garnish options:
Med or fine fresh orange zest
Warmed mandarin orange sections, whole or halved
French vanilla ice cream
Whipped cream
Melt butter in 12” skillet over medium heat. Whisk in sugar and orange zest. Constantly whisking, slowly drizzle in the orange juice. Continue stirring for 3-4 minutes till syrupy. (If not flaming the sauce, add the liqueurs here.) Reduce heat to low. Use 2 forks to lower each crepe into the sauce, turning to moisten both sides. Then place crepe on baking sheet, folding in half and in half again, forming a triangle. Repeat with remaining 5 crepes. Transfer all 6 folded crepes back into the skillet, overlapping as needed. Scrape any sauce collected on the baking sheet into the pan. Sprinkle the additional sugar over the top.
To flambé, add the liqueurs and carefully light with long-handled lighter. Use long-handled spoon to quickly spoon flaming sauce over the crepes for about 30 seconds till flames subside. Transfer crepes to serving plates. Top with remaining sauce from the skillet and garnish, as desired. Serve immediately. Makes 6-8.
KISS Tip: Instead of orange sections, you can also use thin peach slices and/or fresh raspberries for garnishing.
Homemade Crepes
2 lg eggs
3 T sugar
1/8 tsp salt
¾ c flour
½ c milk
¼ c water (or Grand Marnier, for extra flavor)
½ – 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
2 T melted butter
Additional melted butter for skillet
In medium bowl, whisk eggs till frothy and smooth, before whisking in sugar and salt. Gradually whisk in flour till well combined. Then whisk in milk, water, and extract thoroughly. Finally, whisk in the 2 T melted butter. (Batter can be refrigerated at this point.) To prepare, heat a 6-8” nonstick skillet over med to med-high heat. Brush with melted butter. Add 3 T batter and quickly tilt and swirl pan to evenly distribute batter. Cook just 45-60 seconds (edges will start to curl up). Use long spatula to flip crepe over; cook another 10-15 seconds. Transfer crepe to a baking sheet. Wipe out skillet lightly with a paper towel and lightly brush with butter again. Repeat process with remaining batter. Set crepes aside and make the sauce. Makes 6-8 crepes.
KISS Tip: Substituting Grand Marnier for the water adds more flavor. Another option is adding 2 T finely grated fresh orange zest.
Thank you to my many friends who have been earnestly asking when my next book will be released. In progress, there are several works, some entertaining and some intriguing, but they need more time than I have had. Unfortunately, circumstances over the last couple of years have not been conducive to writing, recording, or any other sort of creativity.
“The whole problem with the world is that fools and fanatics are always so certain of themselves, and wiser people so full of doubts.” 
This is one hot summer… everywhere! Today is Air Conditioning Appreciation Day. Enjoy it, if you’ve got it. If not, take great care to stay out of the sun, or in the water, or near a fan. And hydrate! (Nope… caffeine, alcohol, and soft drinks do not count as they are diuretics and dehydrate our bodies.) Stay cool!
Sadly, understanding, acceptance, and respect for others are challenging qualities for us mere humans. Pray for our growth.
Happy Father’s Day to all you Papas out there!
“Determine that the thing can and shall be done, and then we shall find the way.”
“It is a fine thing to have ability, but the ability to discover ability in others is the true test.”
“When uncontrolled, your mind can be very dangerous to you, but when controlled, it can develop unlimited power.”
“A smile can open a heart faster than a key can open a door.”