Popovers that Puff Up Magically

Yorkshire puffs or popovers are a great accompaniment to roast beef or turkey dinner. These puffy menu items are also known as Yorkshire puddings; although no actual pudding is involved. This is likely a reference to the beef gravy used to fill the centers of the puffs.

Popovers truly are completely unique. They do not have the texture of a biscuit, they do not have the texture of a cake. They are unlike anything that is commonly served at table. Slip these "puffies" into the oven and watch them magically expand. If you have young ones, they will love to watch the popovers "pop up" as they cook. Popovers have such a wow factor, your family will request them often.

Place into blender or food processor:

3 eggs

1 cup milk

1 cup sifted flour

1/2 tsp. salt

As can be seen, just a few simple ingredients are needed. Set your blender on high and mix until frothy, about 1-3 minutes. Spray muffin tins with cooking spray and pour in batter. Make sure you use cooking spray because puffs tend to stick.

Bake in a hot oven (400 degrees) about 30-50 minutes, until puffs are golden brown. (Reduce heat, as needed, if you test middles and find they are still raw.) Popovers need to bake long enough to hold their shape.

Remove from oven. If puffs have to sit for any length of time, make a small slit in the side to let steam escape.

If you've never made them, the video below will give you a visual. As can be seen, they mix up in minutes and can also be made with a whisk. This video discusses why steam is important to high popovers.

While traditionally served alongside of a meat dish, really, the sky is the limit, as far as what to put in your popovers.

Savory

• The more commonly known Yorkshire Puffs are traditionally served with a roast beef dinner. Puffs are slit and roast gravy is poured into the hollow cavity.
• Add turkey and gravy.
• Add sliced chicken and gravy.
• Add stuffing and gravy.
• Add creamed peas.

Breakfast

With eggs as an ingredient, popovers can be enjoyed for breakfast.

• Puffs can also be enjoyed served warm from the oven with butter and jam.
• A "kid favorite," fill centers with syrup.
• Add scrambled eggs.
• Add scrambled eggs mixed with cheese. Cut a piece of cooked bacon in half and place the two pieces on top of the eggs or top eggs with cooked, crumbled bacon.
  
• Place a sunnyside up egg inside.

If you fill popovers and then put the "lids" on, kids will enjoy discovering what breakfast awaits inside.

Sweet

• Fill puffs with custard and fruit for popover trifle.
• Popovers are delicious filled with strawberries and whipping cream.

I love how easy these are to whip up. Truly, it takes just minutes to prepare popover batter and these make a perfect and interesting-looking accompaniment to meals.