I recently came across this recipe in a children’s magazine. The focus of the magazine issue was, of course, on fall and Halloween. Looking for ideas for my children, I came across this recipe for Apple Pan Cakes. After making a few modifications (particularly converting it to a gluten-free recipe and making some other changes to meet my tastes), my children and I made this simple, but delicious pan cake that we thought we’d share with you this month. This is one of those recipes that your children can help out with and share in the rewards of their work!

What You will Learn in this Class: What makes this "pan" cake different? What flour to use? Step 1: Gathering your Mise en Place Step 2: The Recipe Step 3: Preparing the Apples Step 4: Preparing the Batter Step 5: Making the Pan Cake Step 6: Garnishing

What Makes this "Pan" Cake Different?
Much like a Dutch baby, this pan cake is made by preparing the pan with butter (and fruits if desired). A thin batter is prepared and poured over the contents of the pan. The "pan" cake is then transferred to the oven and baked at a high temperature to create a light, almost crepe-like pancake.

What Flour to Use?
We nearly always use The Gluten Free Pantry’s Country French Bread flour mix for the gluten-free flour in any recipe. This eliminates the hassle of having to combine various gluten-free flours (rice, potato, tapioca, etc.), plus it already contains the necessary stabilizers for an "all-purpose" flour.

Let’s get started!

Step 1: Preparing your Ingredients & Equipment
Always gather your ingredients ahead of time and make sure you have everything to make the recipe in front of you. There is nothing more frustrating than getting halfway through a recipe and discovering that you are missing a critical ingredient. Also, always read through the recipe in its entirety before you begin. This will help you understand the complete process and anticipate any big jobs or timely steps which can be done while something else is cooking.

Equipment you will need:

• Paring knife
• Spatula
• 12-inch oven-safe skillet
• Small bowl
• Blender

Step 2: The Recipe
Ingredients:

• 2 medium Golden Delicious apples, peeled, cored and sliced thin
• 1 Tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
• Dash of fresh nutmeg
• 1/2 cup milk
• 3 large eggs, at room temperature, lightly beaten
• Pinch of salt
• 1/3 cup gf flour
• Confectioners sugar
• Pure maple syrup

Preheat the oven to 400°F.

Step 3: Preparing the Apples Melt the butter in a 10 inch oven-proof skillet over medium heat. Transfer 2 tablespoons of butter to a small bowl and set aside. Add the apples to the skillet along with the brown sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg. Cover over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the apples are tender but still hold their shape. Spread apples evenly in the skillet. Remove from heat.

Step 4: Preparing the Batter Heat the milk in the microwave for 30 seconds. In a blender, blend together the eggs, milk, reserved butter and salt. Gradually add the flour and continue to blend until incorporated (the batter will be thin).

Step 5: Making the Pan Cake Pour the batter over the apples. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until puffed and golden brown.

Step 6: Garnishing & Devouring Remove from the oven and dust with confectioners sugar. Cut into wedges and serve with warm maple syrup.

Using this basic recipe you can easily alter the filling ingredients to include some of your favorite fruits. Here are some great tasty substitutions to try:

Enjoy!

- Glutenfreeda