Ugnspannkaka (Swedish Oven Pancake)

Swedish pancakes are a great delicacy, especially when served with lingon berry jam. This jam is easily bought in any grocery store in Sweden, but perhaps not in the USA. Apple sauce is sometimes substituted, and strawberry jam is also good. Use your favorite.

George Wegler’s feet and his magnificent ugnspannkaka

When visiting me in California before we married and I moved with her to Stockholm, Eva would quickly put together this oven pancake and I thought it something difficult, even occult. Now that I am officially a Swede (as well as an American–dual citizenship is allowed by both countries) I thought it time to be initiated into the mysteries of pannkaka. No problemo, said Eva. And it’s really simple. Here’s the recipe, but you must swear by Oden (or Odin) to keep it a secret:

Odin, father god of the Aesir

Equipment:

An oven that will heat to 225 degrees Centigrade (437 degrees Fahrenheit)

A large pan that will fit in the oven (see image, above)

A mixing bowl that will hold around 2 liters, or a half-gallon

A strong mixing whip or spoon

A one tablespoon measuring device

A one teaspoon measuring device

Ingredients:

1/2 liter wheat flour (or 1 pint)

1 liter Milk (or 1 quart)

5 eggs, whole (same in countries using English measures)

1 teaspoon salt

3 tablespoons margarine or favorite baking oil to grease the pan (go ahead)

The Process

Heat the oven to 225 degrees C (437 degrees F)

Put the flour in the mixing bowl

Add half the milk to the bowl and stir until the batter is uniform in character

Add the remaining ingredients (except the margarine) to the bowl and mix until the batter is uniform in character

Into the greased (with margarine) pan gently pour the batter into its middle

Make sure the oven has heat emanating from both the top and the bottom

Slide the pan into the open oven, halfway from top and bottom

Close the oven door and let the pan of batter cook for 20-25 minutes

The cooking is done when there is a golden brown crust on the top of the pannkaka (see illustrations, above and below)

Eat! Enjoy!

Note: If you like those wonderful, thin Swedish pancakes cooked in a frying pan, the same recipe works for them.