This post is sponsored by Bonne Maman. I was compensated and received product for this post. Thank you for supporting the brands that support Garlic & Zest! #SayItWithHomemade #BonneMaman
As a child, I loved to make my parents breakfast in bed. I thought there was something so special about that breakfast tray — laden with bacon, eggs and pancakes. With cloth napkins tucked under the plates, a fresh pot of coffee and small glasses of juice. It seemed very fancy to me and a way to do something thoughtful for them. Mother’s Day demands the same kind of careful attention and maybe something a little different… Whole Wheat Apricot Ricotta Crepes.
If crepes don’t seem like they’re all that unique to you, let me tell you why I like these… First, they’re made with whole wheat flour which (in my mind) makes them healthier and heartier.
Second, the crepes can be made the day before — either up to the point of the batter — or cooked and stored — ready to fill.
Finally, this recipe with a blend of Bonne Maman Apricot preserves and cognac is as close to heaven as you can get without actually, you know — going there. Bonne Maman is made from time-honored traditional French recipes. Their preserves and jellies are made with natural ingredients and feature the finest quality fruit. They are Non-GMO Project Verified, have no high fructose corn syrup, no artificial coloring or no preservatives added. I knew they were my favorite jams and jellies for a reason!
Many people prefer to cook crepes in a non-stick skillet or a real crepe pan (I don’t have one), but I used a small stainless steel skillet — sprayed liberally with nonstick spray and the crepes came out beautifully.
The trickiest part is flipping them, but I found that by holding a corner of a crepe between my thumb and forefinger and sliding the spatula underneath with the other hand, they flipped perfectly every time — even the first one, which is usually regarded as the throw-away crepe (or taster for the chef).
Next is the filling – which is pretty simple to make and sublime to eat! It starts with dried apricots and Bonne Maman Apricot Preserves – a favorite of mine all my life.
Dice the apricots and simmer them in a mix of butter, water and cognac (Mmmm, cognac), then stir in the preserves to make a sweet-tart filling. You can make this a day ahead and refrigerate it until you’re ready to assemble.
For the filling, mix a container of ricotta cheese (I used fat free) with honey and lemon zest. I could have eaten this with a spoon it was so good — and yes, you can make it a day ahead so instead of cooking all morning, you’re really just assembling your Mother’s Day breakfast in bed.
Speaking of assembling, the final touch to these crepes is a warm, cognac infused apricot drizzle. Made in about 30 seconds by combining Bonne Maman Apricot Preserves and cognac and microwaving until melted.
Spread a few tablespoons of the sweetened ricotta over the crepe, top with apricot compote and roll it up. Stack two or three crepes on a pretty dish (it’s Mother’s Day after all) and drizzle with the apricot cognac syrup.
Whole Wheat Apricot Ricotta Crepes are like a bright plate of sunshine that I know your mom or wife (or whomever the lucky recipient is) will appreciate. They would also appreciate a 12-piece set of Le Crueset cookware! So be sure to click the banner above to enter and win! Good luck and Happy Mother’s Day!
Hearty whole wheat crepes, filled with a honey sweetened ricotta and brandied apricot preserves! Can I get a Hallelujah?!!
- 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup lukewarm water
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/2 tablespoons sugar
- 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 15 ounce part skim ricotta cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 1/2 tablespoons honey
- 1/2 cup dried apricots finely diced
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 teaspoon butter
- 1/4 cup Apricot Preserves preferably Bonne Maman
- 2 tablespoons brandy or cognac
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
- 1/2 cup Apricot Preserves preferably Bonne Maman
- 2-3 tablespoons brandy or cognac
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In a blender or using a medium bowl with a whisk, combine the flour, milk, water, eggs, butter, sugar and salt. Blend or whisk until well combined and let rest for 30 minutes or cover and refrigerate for up to two days. (This allows the flour to absorb the liquid and for the gluten to relax.)
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In a small bowl combine the ricotta, lemon zest and honey. Stir to combine and refrigerate until ready to assemble.
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In a small saucepan combine the diced apricots and water. Heat over medium heat and simmer (stirring constantly) until apricots are softened and water is half evaporated, about 5 minutes. Stir in the butter and apricot preserves and heat through until preserves are melted. Stir in 2 tablespoons brandy/cognac and cook for 1-2 minutes. Taste -- to see if it needs more brandy/cognac and add as necessary. (Brandy/cognac shouldn't be a dominant flavor, but rather an enhancer.) Set Aside.
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Add apricot presesrves to a small bowl and microwave for 1 minute or until liquidy. Add the brandy/cognac and stir to combine. Set aside.
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Place the pan over medium heat and coat the pan with a little unsalted butter. Pour about 2 tablespoons of the batter into the pan, lifting and swirling so that the batter coats the bottom of the pan, forming a thin, even layer. Cook until top is set and underside is golden. Flip the crepe using a spatula or your fingers. (I used a combination of both) and cook on the other side until lightly browned. Transfer to a plate and continue making crepes
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Lay a crepe on a flat surface. Add 2 tablespoons of ricotta filling in a line down the center of the crepe. Top with a few teaspoons Apricot Filling. Roll the crepe around the filling and serve with a few teaspoons of Apricot Glaze.
- MAKE AHEAD: If you want to prepare the crepes ahead of time -- you can. Cook them as instructed, then transfer the crepes to a wire rack to cool completely. Stack the crepes, inserting a piece of was paper between them, so they don't stick. Store in a zip top freezer bag and freeze for up to one month. Thaw before reheating. Crepes can be re-heated in the microwave or in a low oven.
- TIME SAVER: If you want to skip the Apricot Filling, just double the amount of the Apricot Glaze and use it as the filling and topping for the crepes
More Breakfast In Bed Options:
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- Tropical Fruit Salad with Sweet n’ Spicy Dressing
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- Andouille sweet Potato Frittata
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- Individual Berry Streusel Coffeecakes
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These look delicious! Funny enough I have had ricotta pancakes on my mind recently so might have to give these a try!
Thank you, Caroline — I’d love to try your ricotta pancakes… please share!
Beautiful, tasty article made with love and Bonne Maman. This is my “go to” brand for preserves because of it’s excellent fruit taste. Nice.
I know — don’t they have the BEST preserves? Apricot is one of my faves, but I’m also hopeless for cherry, too!
I love having freshly made crepes for breakfast. It’s the best breakfast ever! It may sound strange, but I never had crepes filled with ricotta cheese!!! I somehow feel that ricotta and fruits combo in this crepes tastes just amazing. Can’t wait to try it. I really like that you used whole wheat flour to make crepes 😉 Lovely recipe Lisa.
Thank you so much, Natalie — I can assure you that this ricotta filling is absolutely phenomenal. In fact, I had a little leftover and put it in a ramekin with extra apricot-cognac sauce — sublime!
Yummy! These look so good. I agree it does always feel healthier using whole wheat flour over all-purpose! I’ll have to get some of that Bonne Maman for the next time I make crepes! And when I do, I’ll be using your recipe for sure!
Let me know how you enjoy it, Elaine!
I always made my Mom breakfast in bed when I was a child! Sometimes she would wait until 12pm (and was probably starving) by the time I had it finished! Of course nothing this fancy, ever passed her lips! These look amazing! Love the apricot and cognac! I by Bonne Maman here too! Delicious!
Thanks so much, Beth! And here I thought I was the only one making breakfast in bed!
This is the perfect recipe for Mother’s day! I love crepes so much and don’t make them enough!
These look so good Lisa! I actually have seen that brand at my grocery store — and I love apricot! I also made my mom breakfast in bed and thought it was so special– but I am pretty sure when I did it it was fruit, toast, and tea. I’m going to have to make sure my son knows how to make these crepes (maybe in a few years– he’s not quite 2 yet!)
Give him some time, I’m sure he’ll rise to the occasion soon!
What an amazing flavor combo! Yum 🙂
That’s a favourite jam of mine. Great that you have added whole wheat flour to make them healthier
Oh yum!!! this looks perfect for Sunday Brunch!!!
I was just talking about wanted crepes! These look absolutely delicious! Love that you made them whole wheat!
Thank you! They are really delicious!
What a fantastic flavor combo idea! I love making crepes, but it has been to long! Need to make these soon!
Thanks, Kim! It had been a long time for me too!
These look sooooo good! And the apricot…YUM!