Popovers are a quick bread made from a thin batter. They are leavened with beaten eggs that give them their characteristic puff in a hot oven. Popovers are neutral in flavor making them ideal to accompany a dinner, but they are equally good for other meals as well. Turning a popover healthy involves using trans fat-free margarine which has no cholesterol in place of the butter as well as using an egg substitute for the whole eggs. Whole milk can be substituted with reduced fat milk.
Here is a recipe for making an oven baked pancake very similar to popovers. The pancake puffs up and is best served immediately after pulling from the oven. Serve with berry yogurts, cut up fresh fruit or preserves. This recipe will serve about 6 as an accompaniment to a breakfast or a brunch.
Bake in any round baking dish, casserole or even a mid-size paella pan. By heating the butter in the pan inside the hot oven before adding the batter, the bottom sets quickly and the popover pancake begins to cook. Since the pancake rises with no leavening, the ingredient list is short and simple.
Popover Breakfast Oven Pancake
Ingredients:
- 2 Tbsp Trans fat free margarine, see note
- 1/2 cup egg substitute, such as Egg Beaters
- 1/2 cup reduced fat milk
- 1/2 cup all purpose flour
Procedure:
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
- Place the 2 tablespoons of trans fat free margarine in the pan and place in the oven. Bake for about 5 minutes, until the margarine is melted and is sizzling in the pan.
- Meanwhile, place the egg substitute and reduced fat milk in a blender. Measure the flour and add to the liquid. Cover with a lid. Blend on high speed for 15 seconds (no less) and stop the blender. Scrape down the sides well and replace the cover for the blender. Blend on high again for another 10 seconds.
- Immediately remove hot pan with the butter from the oven and pour in the batter.
- Place back into the oven and bake for about 20 minutes. The sides will be set, puffed and the center will be done. The popover will be golden brown.
- Remove from the oven when done and serve immediately.
Variation:
- This can also be flavored with any spice or seasoning if serving the popover pancake with other breakfast items. Flavorings include cinnamon, a pinch of mace, or if serving with fruits and yogurts, a little freshly grated orange or lemon rind.
Note:
This recipe was made with Smart Balance Butter Spread, 2% reduced fat milk and Egg Beaters brand egg substitute.
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