Kaiserschmarrn Eiskeller

About Kaiserschmarrn

Kaiserschmarrn, often anglicized to "Emperor's Mess," is a quintessential Austrian dish that has been enjoyed for centuries. It is a lightly caramelized pancake, traditionally shredded while frying and served with powdered sugar, raisins, and various fruits or compotes. Its origin dates back to the Habsburg monarchy, where it was said to be a favorite of Emperor Franz Joseph I. The dish's unique name reflects its imperial roots: "Kaiser" means "emperor" while "Schmarrn" translates to "mess" or "nonsense," likely referring to the dish's delightfully haphazard presentation.

The Legend of Kaiserschmarrn Eiskeller

The "Eiskeller" variant of Kaiserschmarrn is named after the cold storage cellars used throughout Europe before refrigeration. This variation was crafted to acknowledge these culinary milestones, adding a chilly contrast with a dollop of ice cream or a companion cold fruit sauce, perfect for setting off the warm pancake.

Key Ingredients

• Flour - 150g
• Milk - 250ml
• Eggs - 4, separated
• Sugar - 50g
• Vanilla extract - 1 tsp
• Butter - 50g
• Raisins - 50g, soaked in rum or water
• Salt - a pinch
• Powdered Sugar - for dusting
• Ice Cream - vanilla or your choice, for serving

Preparation Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Batter

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, milk, and egg yolks until smooth. Add the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. Gradually fold the beaten whites into the batter mixture till it's well combined but still airy.

Step 2: Cook the Pancake

Heat a large skillet over medium heat and melt half of the butter. Pour the batter into the pan. Allow it to cook without stirring until the bottom is golden browned. This may take about 3 to 4 minutes.

Step 3: Create the Kaiserschmarrn

Add the soaked raisins to the top of the pancake. Using two forks or a wooden spatula, tear the pancake into bite-sized pieces. Lower the heat, add the remaining butter to the pan, and sprinkle with sugar. Toss the pieces to caramelize, ensuring that the raisins are thoroughly heated through.

Step 4: Serve Kaiserschmarrn

Transfer the Kaiserschmarrn to a serving platter. Dust liberally with powdered sugar and pair with a scoop of ice cream. The contrast of the warm pancake with cold elements enhances the texture and flavor, reminiscent of the traditional Eiskeller storage method. For an extra touch, you may want to add a side of apple sauce or berry compote.

Cooking Tips

If you prefer a more caramelized surface, allow the pieces to stay in the skillet a bit longer. Keeping a close watch on the heat will prevent scorching. Consider using a timer like this one to keep track of your cooking stages.

Enjoying Kaiserschmarrn Eiskeller

Kaiserschmarrn Eiskeller is best enjoyed in the comfort of good company. Whether serving it as a grand dessert or a sweet breakfast, its rich flavors make it a memorable experience. Pair it with a glass of chilled Austrian white wine or a cup of strong coffee to bring out the nuanced notes of this imperial treat.