The Mystery Of The Marked Ebiskiver Pans: Unraveling The Number Code

Ebelskivers are a type of pancake with a distinctive spherical shape. They are traditionally cooked in a cast iron pan with several spherical indentations. Each indentation is marked with a number, which corresponds to a number on the handle of the pan. This is to ensure that the pancakes are cooked evenly on all sides.

The history of ebelskiver pans

While the exact history of numbered ebelskiver pans is unclear, there are a few possible explanations for the numbers. One possibility is that the numbers indicate the size or diameter of the pan, similar to how some skillets are marked with numbers to indicate their size. Another possibility is that the numbers are part of a serial number or manufacturing code, which could indicate the batch or time period in which the pan was produced. These codes could also be related to the foundry or manufacturer of the pan.

Cast iron skillets and pans have a long history, and their production often involved small foundries that may have left minimal markings on their products. Some pans were also deliberately left unmarked because they were sold directly to stores, such as Woolworths, and did not bear the names of well-known manufacturers like Lodge or Wagner.

Today, ebelskiver pans are not only used for making the traditional Danish aebleskiver but also for a variety of other globe-shaped street foods from around the world, including Japanese takoyaki, Dutch poffertjes, and Indonesian kue cubit. The pans' divots and cast-iron construction make them ideal for creating crisp and fluffy pancake balls of various kinds.

How to identify an ebelskiver pan

Ebelskiver pans are cast iron pans with hemispherical divots used to make spherical pancakes. They are commonly found in antique malls and are often passed down through generations. Here are some ways to identify an ebelskiver pan:

Material and Construction

Ebelskiver pans are typically made of cast iron, which is known for its excellent heat retention and distribution. They feature a series of hemispherical divots or wells that form the signature spherical shape of the pancakes. The pans may have a non-stick coating, which makes it easier to release the pancakes without sticking. Some pans also come with a riveted cast-stainless-steel handle that stays cool during cooking.

Size and Dimensions

Ebelskiver pans vary in size, but a typical dimension might be around 16 x 9.6 x 2.4 inches. The divots in the pan are usually about 2 inches in diameter, creating pancakes of a similar size. Some pans may have as few as seven divots, while others can have up to twenty or more, depending on the size and design of the pan.

Markings and Brandings

Some ebelskiver pans may be marked with numbers or letters, which can indicate the manufacturer or the mould number. For example, the Lodge brand is known for emblazoning their products with various markings that help identify them. However, their handle designs may not be consistent, so it's not always a reliable indicator.

Accessories and Inclusions

Ebelskiver pans are often sold with accessories that aid in the cooking process. These can include bamboo or barbecue skewers, turning tools, or pronged tools used to delicately flip and rotate the pancakes during cooking. Some pans may also come with a silicone handle or oven mitt to protect your hands from the heat.

Intended Use and Versatility

While ebelskiver pans are specifically designed for making spherical pancakes, they can also be used for a variety of other dishes. The divots are convenient for cooking a range of foods, such as cornbread, doughnut holes, meatballs, mini meatloaves, and even cake pops. With a little creativity, you can experiment with both sweet and savoury options from different cultures, such as Japanese takoyaki, Dutch poffertjes, or Indonesian kue cubit.

How to season an ebelskiver pan

To season an ebelskiver pan, follow these steps:

Before the First Use:

• Wash the pan with hot water and a mild dish soap. Use a sponge or stiff brush to remove any manufacturing residue or dirt.
• Dry the pan thoroughly with a towel.
• Apply a thin coat of cooking oil to the entire pan, including the divots and the exterior. You can use a paper towel or a cloth to do this, but make sure it's an oil-soaked cloth, not dry.
• Place the pan upside down on the top rack of your oven and bake it at 350°F for one hour.
• Turn off the heat and let the pan cool down inside the oven.

After Each Use:

• Clean the pan by hand with hot water and a mild dish soap, using a sponge or soft brush. Avoid using the dishwasher, as it can strip the pan's seasoning.
• Dry the pan immediately and thoroughly with a towel.
• Apply a thin coat of cooking oil to the pan while it's still warm.

Tips:

• Avoid using soap when cleaning your ebelskiver pan, especially during the initial seasoning process. The pan's patina will improve over time, but using soap can strip away the oil layer, requiring you to start the seasoning process again.
• If your ebelskiver recipe doesn't include oil or butter, consider adding a tablespoon or so to the mix. This will help prevent sticking and create a crispier exterior.
• Ensure your pan isn't too hot. Ebelskivers burn easily, so a medium or medium-low heat setting usually works best.
• Use a wooden skewer, chopstick, knitting needle, or fork to flip the ebelskivers as they cook.

By following these steps and tips, you'll be able to properly season and maintain your ebelskiver pan, ensuring that your delicious puffy pancakes don't stick and burn!

How to cook with an ebelskiver pan

Ebelskiver pans are a type of cast-iron pan with multiple hemispherical divots. They are commonly used to make traditional Danish pancakes called ebelskivers (also spelt aebleskiver or ebleskiver). The pancakes are cooked by filling each divot with batter and then using a skewer to rotate the pancakes until they are golden and crispy.

Ebelskiver pans can also be used to make a variety of other dishes, including:

• Takoyaki (a Japanese street food made with octopus, pickled ginger, and scallions)
• Poffertjes (a Dutch recipe made with yeast and buckwheat flour)
• Kue Cubit (an Indonesian sweet cake sold by street vendors)
• Khanom khrok (a Thai version of the Serabi or Neyyappam, made with rice flour and coconut milk or shredded coconut)
• Paddu (an Indian dish made with rice and lentils, served with a savory dipping sauce)
• Mini Dutch Baby Pancakes
• Cornbread doughnut holes
• Banh Khot (a Vietnamese dish)
• Lummur (an Icelandic oatmeal pancake)
• Mofo gasy (rice/flour puffs from Madagascar)
• Mofo sira (a variation of the mofo gasy)
• Meatballs
• Mini meat loaves
• Egg bites
• Cake pops
• Falafel

Alternative foods to cook in an ebelskiver pan

Ebelskiver pans are specialised cooking tools that are used to make traditional Danish aebelskivers. However, they can be used to make a variety of other dishes, including:

• Takoyaki (a Japanese street food)
• Poffertjes (a Dutch recipe)
• Kue Cubit (an Indonesian sweet cake)
• Khanom khrok (a Thai dish)
• Neyyappam (an Indian dish)
• Paddu (an Indian dish)
• Mini Dutch Baby Pancakes
• Pajeon (a Korean dish)
• Rösti (a Swiss dish)
• Baked oysters, shrimp, escargot
• Baked hush puppies
• Liege Waffles
• Cake pops
• Mini breakfast stratas
• Ice cream balls
• Meatballs
• Candy
• Nice ice cubes for cocktails
• Baby soufflés
• Eggs
• Crab cakes
• Pizza ball appetizers
• Corn fritters

Frequently asked questions