History of the Aebleskiver

Aebleskivers are a type of pancake cooked in a special stove-top pan with half-spherical molds. The center is soft and fluffy, almost creamy. The crust is crisp and browned. In Denmark, aebleskivers are traditionally plated in threes, dusted with powdered sugar, topped or filled with tart jams of Nordic berries and served with mellow Scandinavian coffee.

There, aebleskivers ( may be pronounced as “eb-el-ski-ver” , “a-bla-ski-va”, “eb-el-sku-wyr” , “ebb-ull-skee-vers” or "able-skEEvers") have typically not been served in restaurants or for breakfast, but rather at the family table for afternoon coffee breaks. On long and cold Nordic winter evenings, they are served with glögg. In the wintertime, aebleskivers are often sold by street vendors. A symbol of community and hospitality, they are very popular at Scandinavian charity and open-air events.

​ There are many recipes for the batter, but they generally fall into two categories: those made with baking soda (or baking powder) as a leavening agent, or those made with yeast. The batters vary in texture and flavor -- and yeasted batters take a bit more patience to prepare and will expand more in the pan -- and which you prefer is a matter of personal taste.
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 The earliest known aebleskiver pans are more than 300 years old and were made from hammered copper. But bare copper proved to be far from ideal and was soon succeeded by cast iron, which distributes heat more evenly and forms a natural nonstick surface. Today, pans are also made from aluminum with nonstick coating. 
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​They are served often rolled in powdered sugar, and maybe with whipped cream, butter, maple syrup, and/or  fruit preserves. They’re often favored during the holidays as a special treat for guests and loved ones, but how can I have something this good reserved for just special occasions? The crusty exterior and fluffy tender inside, mmmm, oh my oh my. I’ll have them for breakfast, for brunch, as dessert, for coffee breaks, and for Afternoon Teas.
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​ Here’s a little of Aebleskiver history:.... During that time of the Vikings, when they roamed the coastal waters of England and the Atlantic, one band of these rough Vikings was hard hit in battle. As they returned to their ship with dented horn helmets and shields, they made pancakes to regain their strength. They didn’t have proper cookware so they greased their dented shields and poured the batter on them over a fire. The first aebleskivers were born. (So they say:)...)