What is a crêpe (pronounced with a hard “ep”, not “ape”) and where did it come from?

A crêpe is a feather-light, thin pancake that originated in France. A staple in France, crêpes are sold in restaurants, creperies and from street vendors all over the country.  Paris, especially, has crêpe carts in neighborhoods serving up a quick lunch or snack on the go.  Think of hot dogs served from street carts in our country or street tacos in Mexico.

The humble crêpe can be filled with savory fillings like creamed chicken, spinach or ham and cheese; sweet fillings like Nutella, lemon and sugar or berries and cream.  It can be dressed “to the nines” infused with orange liqueur and brandy, then flamed creating the famous dessert, Crêpes Suzette.  Monday is National Crêpes Suzette Day.

The French staple is not just a diverse and inexpensive meal, but also has cultural significance.  In France, February 2, is know as “les jour des crêpes,” a day when families enjoy crêpes together.

How did crêpes and crêpe making come about at Central Christian Church?  The March meeting of Disciples Women found itself without a luncheon hostess.  Fearing disappointment from the women of the church, Ken took the duty of a pastor a step farther and offered to literally feed the flock.

Ken prepared and served lunch to the ladies. Most were familiar with Ken’s culinary skills (he is twice winner of the annual Central Chili Cook-Off) but the March diners were really wowed when he finished the luncheon with strawberry filled crêpes, topped with crème and shaved chocolate.

The March lunch was the inspiration for Saturday morning’s “hands-on” cooking class. 

Several batters were used in preparing the crêpes and a variety of toppings and fillings, both sweet and savory were served to accompany the finished product. Strawberries and whipped cream, Nutella, blueberries and crème fraiche along with Russel Church’s savory filling of mushrooms, spinach, leeks and thyme.

Following the class everyone sat down to a brunch of coffee, juice, eggs, bacon and the star of the morning’s menu— crêpes.

Alton Brown’s Foolproof Recipe.

2 large eggs

3/4 cup milk

1/2 cup water

1 cup flour

3 tablespoons melted butter

Butter, for coating the pan

In a blender, combine all of the ingredients and pulse for 10 seconds. Place the crepe batter in the refrigerator for 1 hour. This allows the bubbles to subside so the crepes will be less likely to tear during cooking. The batter will keep for up to 48 hours.

Heat a small non-stick pan. Add butter to coat. Pour 1 ounce of batter into the center of the pan and swirl to spread evenly. Cook for 30 seconds and flip. Cook for another 10 seconds and remove to the cutting board. Lay them out flat so they can cool. Continue until all batter is gone. After they have cooled you can stack them and store in sealable plastic bags in the refrigerator for several days or in the freezer for up to two months. When using frozen crepes, thaw on a rack before gently peeling apart.

Martha Stewart’s Simple Crêpes

1 Cup unbleached all-purpose flour

1 T granulated sugar

¼ tsp kosher salt

1 1/2 cups whole milk, room temperature

4 large eggs, room temperature

3 T unsalted butter, melted

In a blender, puree flour, sugar, salt, milk, eggs, and butter until smooth, about 30 seconds. Refrigerate for 30 minutes or up to 1 day; stir for a few seconds before using.

Heat an 8-inch nonstick skillet over medium. Lightly coat with butter. Quickly pour 1/4 cup batter into center of skillet, tilting and swirling pan until batter evenly coats bottom. Cook until crepe is golden in places on bottom and edges begin to lift from pan, 1 to 1 1/2 minutes. Lift one edge of crepe with an offset spatula, then use your fingers to gently flip crepe. Cook on second side until just set and golden in places on bottom, about 45 seconds. Slide crepe onto a paper towel-lined plate.

Repeat with remaining batter, coating pan with more butter as needed, and stacking crepes directly on top of one another. Let cool to room temperature before using, wrapping in plastic wrap and refrigerating up to 5 days, or freezing up to 1 month.

What better way to say “Happy Mother’s Day” than to gather in the church kitchen sharing cooking skills and enjoying brunch together.

“Living in a scientific age, part of our responsibility as thinking people of Faith is to proclaim that Faith is not the enemy of reason, logic or the scientific method - these things are given to us by God for our blessing. As people of Faith we do well to trust reason and logic, while also remaining open to mystery and miracles,” was the message delivered by Rev. Dr. Ken Crawford Sunday morning at Central Christian Church, (Disciples of Christ) in Dallas.

Worship ended with the choir and congregation singing “What a fellowship, what a joy divine, leaning on the everlasting arms.” Members were invited to take flowers, as a remembrance, from the Easter trees before gathering in Fellowship Hall for another celebration of the joy shared by those attending Central.

Although the congregation had to say “good-bye” to long time member Frances Mosier and wish her well on her new adventure, moving to Oklahoma to be closer to family, members had the opportunity to visit with dear friend, Bob Boyles, as he celebrates his 89^th birthday.  Bob recently joined his daughter in McKinney, Texas so Central doesn’t see him as often as they once did. Yesterday was truly a celebration of Central’s family.

If you are looking for a church family, look no farther.  Visit Central! Everyone is welcome! There is a new children’s choir and a summer drama camp where your children are welcome, a colorful, professionally tended nursery where your babies and toddlers are welcome, a dog park and Sunday dog park worship service where your dog is welcome and co-working space where your lap-tap is welcome. There are Sunday School classes, twelve step programs, senior field trips, a wellness center and more.

Sign up for Kirsten’s graceful aging class Thursday or Pastor Ken’s crepe making class next Saturday.  There is something for everyone at Central!  For more information contact Shelia at shelia0806@sbcglobal.net.   

“It begins with the breath,” Kirsten Joy Burch said, as she led the “aging gracefully” class through a series of breathing exercises Thursday afternoon at Westside Wellness. 

Slow and deep breathing from chest to stomach, counting inhales and exhales to breathing in one nostril and out the other began the one-hour session of gentle moves and stretches that Kirsten, a holistic wellness lifestyle consultant, assures will improve balance, expand mobility and relax facial muscles that will soften lines and wrinkles.   

Although there was nothing strenuous or difficult in the session, some of us, like me, who as a writer spends far too many hours sitting at a computer, felt the results the following day which proves there is benefit to the chair yoga practice.   

The session, ending as began, with breathing and meditation, was just enough that everyone was anxious to sip the refreshing water infused with citrus, mint and cucumber that vibroacoustic therapist, Denae Richards, had prepared for the class.

You need no special equipment or clothing.  As you can see by the photos the exercises can be done anywhere—living room, dining room, at your desk, on your porch, wearing everyday clothing like loose-fitting capris or stretchy pants.

If it sounds simple, it’s because it is! Simple seated movements combined with mindful breathing help improve your immune system through your lymphatic system.  Joints are lubricated and circulation improved through gentle stretches. Strength and balance are improved with standing poses, even holding onto a chair. 

If you missed Thursday’s class, Kirsten will be teaching again this coming Thursday at 2 p.m.  $10.00 at the door! 

Disciples Women of Central Christian Church will wrap up the year and adjourn for the summer with the annual  salad luncheon on Tuesday, May 7.

Anne Pogson will read an excerpt from the newly released, best seller “The Matriarch: Barbara Bush and the Making of an American Dynasty” by Susan Page.

The book examines not only Barbara Bush’s public persona but also less well-known aspects of her remarkable life. As a girl in Rye, New York, Barbara Bush weathered criticism of her weight from her mother that left lifelong scars. As a young wife, she coped with the death of her three-year-old daughter from leukemia, a loss that changed her forever. In middle age, she grappled with depression so serious that she contemplated suicide. And as first the wife and then the mother of American presidents, she made history as the only woman to see -- and advise -- both her husband and son in the Oval Office.

As Texas women, we will surely enjoy knowing more about this remarkable person— her accomplishments, struggles, and contributions that will cement her as one of the most unique and influential women in American history.

You don’t have to be a member of Central Christian Church, or any church for that matter, to join this group of welcoming women who serve the community by providing outreach and support to local charities.  Juliette Fowler Communities, Genesis Women’s Shelter, Maple Lawn Elementary School, Austin Street Center and North Dallas Shared Ministries are a few of the non-profits where the women generously donate funds and time. 

Additionally, through education, the organization provides opportunities for spiritual growth and enrichment, enabling women to develop a sense of personal responsibility for the whole mission of the Church of Jesus Christ.

Although Disciples Women’s Ministry does not hold monthly meetings during the summer, come meet the group as you may want to be a part of the organization in the fall when meetings convene. The program will begin at 10:30 in the church parlor and lunch will follow in adjacent fellowship hall. There is a $5.00 per person charge for lunch. For more information, contact Shelia Huffman, Program Chair at shelia0806@sbcglobal.net. 

According to Kirsten Joy Burch, owner of Living Yoga Dallas, aging gracefully may be easier than you think.

Kirsten, founder of PraniLife Consulting, a holistic wellness lifestyle program, promotes yoga and well being education across the Dallas Ft. Worth area.  She is director of the new Wellness Center located at 4711 Westside Drive and will begin a weekly class in graceful aging on Thursday, at 2 p.m. beginning April 25.

There are gentle exercises to improve balance, easy stretches to expand mobility and isometrics to relax the facial muscles that soften lines and wrinkles. And, part of the time you don’t even have to get up from your chair.

Simple seated movements combined with mindful breathing help improve your immune system by increasing ?ow to your lymphatic system.  You can lubricate joints and improve circulation with simple standing poses while improving strength and balance.  You can learn to use props to help you move more ?uidly. 

“You don’t have to get on the ?oor to enjoy the bene?ts of practices for graceful aging.” Kirsten assures.  “Although, after practicing the movements taught in the graceful aging class, getting up and down will become easier,” she added.

You are never too old or too young to take care of your body, soothe your mind, and vitalize your energy. Everyone can participate and everyone can benefit!

Join Kirsten on Thursday, April 25 at 2 p.m. Wear comfortable clothing.  Water will be available to keep you hydrated.  $10.00 at the door.