The Mysterious Waukau #recipe

Back by popular demand! My cozy mystery writing partner for The Chocolate Martini Sisters Mysteries has a terrific recipe that appeared during our blog tour for the first book, Candy, Cigarettes, and Murder. I've been asked to share it again, so here it is. Thanks, Joyce!

Years ago, a sibling was kind enough to share with me his recipe for a raspberry pancake called a Waukau. I was intrigued with the unfamiliar name. Waukau? Was the word European or Native American? Curious, I prepared the batter following the simple directions. Once in the oven, a golden pancake arose, its edges crusty and slightly browned and filled the kitchen with a delicious aroma. Spread across the top like scarlet jewels, the berries glistened in their syrupy juices. What an impressive sight. My husband and I sat at the kitchen table, eager to have a bite. How yummy. We loved it. The sweet yet slightly tart berries against the spongy texture of egg gave a bright taste to breakfast. The best part, according to my husband, is the buttery edge. Soon the Waukau pancake became our Sunday morning go-to item.

So where did the name come from? I did a Wikipedia search. Outside the town of Rushford, WI is an unincorporated area called Waukau. According to the census taken in 2000, 178 people live there. Perhaps this is where the pancake evolved.  

At any rate, I’m certain The Chocolate Martini Sisters would have delighted in the unusual dish. Emma, one of the sisters and known for her sweet tooth, would savor the mix of sugary and tart berries. Too bad it wasn’t on the menu at the Dulce Inn where they stayed in Candy, Cigarettes and Murder.

The following recipe is one that I’ve adapted over time in response to my particular taste. It takes only minutes to prepare. Eaten alone or paired with bacon or sausage, it feeds about three or four adults. Give it a chance. You won’t be disappointed.

 Waukau (Berry Pancake)                                   

1 cup flour

1/2 tsp salt

1 cup milk

2 eggs

½ tsp vanilla

3 T butter

Pint of raspberries

1/3 cup sugar

Oven heat: 375 degrees. Heat pan with butter in oven. (I use a heavy 10” stainless steel fry pan suitable for the oven)

Whisk flour and salt in medium bowl. Whisk milk, eggs and vanilla in small bowl.

Make a well in center of the flour mixture and add the milk mixture to the well. Whisk until combined. (A fork works well)

When pan is at oven temperature, pour batter into the oan. Scatter the berries over the batter, leaving one inch border around the edges. Sprinkle sugar over the berries, again avoiding the outer 1-inch border. Bake until the edges are puffed and deep golden brown, 40 – 45 minutes. 

Be careful not to burn your fingers when you take it from the oven.

Enjoy!

Joyce 

When Sisters Emma and Nic check in at the storied Dulce Inn for a relaxing, birthday weekend, they don’t expect a madhouse of temperamental artists or getting entangled in two murders. Using their love of all-things mystery, and despite a surly detective who stands in their way, can the Chocolate Martini Sisters tackle the caper, unsnarl the web of secrets, lies, and vengeance to catch the killer?

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0BQ9T7ZBX