Blokker, Rotterdam

What to buy here: Poffertjes (Dutch miniature pancakes) Basics.

Poffertjes, the Dutch miniature, thick and sweet pancakes made with yeast and buckwheat flour, were first baked around 1800 in France and were brought to The Netherlands by merchants and salespersons during the French Revolution. While unknown in France, in Holland, poffertjes are considered a truly Dutch delicacy that only a small group of professionals traditionally prepare, and proof of this can be seen in the many Poffertjessalons (restaurants specializing in Poffertjes) spread across the country.

In Rotterdam, Poffertjessalon Seth has been preparing these treats for over 25 years according to a secret family recipe. Walking down Hoogstraat Street, you will find this restaurant which is easy to spot since the baker is normally outdoors preparing fresh poffertjes using a special copper pan as tradition dictates. Bringing this Dutch favorite back home with you is possible these days, since all you need is the poffertjes pan, which is a special cast iron plate with indentations in it to hold the poffertjes and give them their round shape while the cook, and of course the poffertjes dry mix to make the batter. With the basics in place, all you need is follow the box directions, bake your mini pancakes using your brand-new poffertjes pan and serve them like the Dutch: warm, with a dollop of real butter and dusted with powdered sugar.

Price: Poffertjes Mix: starting at 1.29€ per 400 grams box; Poffertjespan: 14.99€ - 39.95€.