Aebleskiver

My Danish sister-in-law taught me about these amazing little Danish donuts called Aebleskivers. They are a great kid pleaser!
And the ‘secret ingredient’ – it’s beer!

Ingredients:
4 separated eggs
2 tablespoons sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
3/4 C beer plus 1 1/4 C milk]
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
2 cups all purpose flour
oil or lard
confectioners sugar

Beat egg whites until stiff; set aside. Beat rest of ingredients until batter is very smooth. Fold in egg whites. Heat [at a moderate temperature] a well-seasoned monk's pan (see tip below) with 1/8 teaspoon oil or lard in each of the 7 holes. Fill each hole (about three-quarters full) with batter. (Be sure to add a few drops of oil to each well in the pan before the next round of batter.)

When browned on one side (almost right away), turn with knitting needle (or two-tined fork) and keep turning until needle comes out clean after piercing through the cake. (If you do it right, you only need to turn it once.)

Sprinkle with powdered sugar and serve with flavored butters, such as maple or cinnamon honey, syrup, jam and brown or white sugar.
Tips: You can purchase a cast iron monk's pan at Scandinavia gift shops or at small town hardware stores in Danish communities. As for servings, plan on each person eating 7-10 cakes. Makes approximately 48 pancakes.