We got the bug for pancakes during half-term. On a day out in Canterbury, and weary after a lot of walking on cobbles, there was a need for a little something. Lo we spied a Creperie Van and a few minutes later were munching on pancakes whilst fending off the irrepressible flock of pigeons. The girls enjoyed their Nutella Crepe- a favourite of smalls across the land- whilst DH tucked in to apple and cinnamon. I rather controversially veered away from my reliably predictable choice: the British classic lemon-and-sugar-topping. I like to think that it harks back to the days of Ena Sharples when men worked down’t Pit and women pursed their lips at inappropriate behaviour.
This time, however, I got a little excited to see a jar of Speculoos Spread. Immediately taken back to days when I got to eat my Mum’s individually-wrapped Lotus biscuit whilst she was coiffed to within an inch of her life (I know Mum, that line made me guffaw too.) It seemed like the height of sophistication to me. The very sight of the jar was enough to have my mouth watering for the caramelised coffee-ish flavour and crisp biscuit. The Crepe-Man told me he had to buy the stuff in Europe as it wasn’t yet available in the UK. In fact he was surprised to hear that I had heard of the stuff. I wanted to know how they could have it the height and breadth of the Americas and yet not here: I have read of the stuff on many American blogs without ever tasting it.
Putting all thoughts of surgical devices from my mind (not a good name for a biscuit) I indulged myself in an entire crepe smothered in the stuff. And relished every mouthful. Then I needed to send DH back to the Crepe-Man to buy a bottle of water: despite having a remarkably different flavour, the spread does exactly what peanut butter does, and seals your tongue to the roof of your mouth. Though in a very nice way. I can wait to see what it turns out like when sandwiching a sponge together. Now I just need someone to send me some!
If you are in the market for a Pancake Recipe in time for Pancake Day on Tuesday, and I recommend the chocolate ones, why not check out last year’s top flipping tips?
Edited to add: Waitrose have just started selling the spread and I am beyond excited. It’ll mean I don;t keep making DH buy up crates of the stuff whenever we go to Europe.
I’m usually a lemon and sugar girl myself, though wouldn’t say no to maple syrup. Have never heard of this Biscoff spread but sounds delicious.
Ps -my mum was always coiffed too.