Bringing Back a Childhood Favourite: Crispy Pancakes & Cookbook Progress

If there’s one thing this cookbook journey has taught me, it’s that nostalgia has a way of creeping up on you in the most unexpected moments. This past week, I had an absolute ‘blast from the past’ moment when I thought about something I hadn’t in years: Findus Crispy Pancakes.
Now, if you grew up in Britain, chances are you’ll remember them. They were the ultimate after-school treat, the kind of thing you’d spot in Iceland and hope Mum would say yes to. In my house, though, ‘instant’ food was a rare occurrence. Mum was all about home-cooked meals, and convenience foods didn’t often make an appearance; she couldn't afford it. But every now and then, as a treat, she’d pick up a box of those golden, crispy-edged pancakes stuffed with molten, savoury filling. Biting into one was an event—piping hot, slightly too crispy around the edges (because we never waited long enough to let them cool), and always delicious (even with a burn that lasted days on the roof of your mouth)
So, when I found a homemade version, I knew I had to try it. And let me tell you—it was an instant time machine back to my childhood. Flaky, crispy coating? Check. Gooey, comforting centre? Check. The only difference is, this time, I know exactly what’s gone into them, and they taste even better than I remember.
The best part? This recipe has now earned a spot in Pork Pies & The Perfect Pickle because, let’s be honest, I know I’m not the only one who has fond memories of these little pockets of joy. The book is really coming together now, and with every recipe, I’m finding new ways to recreate and refine those flavours we all miss from home. (or "cheffy' them up a bit as I like to say.)
Writing this cookbook isn’t just about compiling recipes—it’s about bottling up nostalgia, one dish at a time. I’ve been testing and tweaking, making sure each recipe brings back that feeling of home, wherever you are in the world. Whether it’s a crispy pancake, a proper pork pie, or a Yorkshire pudding wrap, it’s all about bringing back those tastes that transport you straight to your childhood kitchen.
So, to all my fellow ex-pats and nostalgic food lovers—get ready, because this book is going to be packed with the flavours you’ve been craving. And yes, the crispy pancakes will be in there, so you won’t have to go searching for them like I did!

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