Popover Explained

Popover
Country:United States
Type:Roll
Main Ingredient:Batter (eggs, flour)

A popover is a light roll made from an egg batter similar to that of Yorkshire pudding, typically baked in muffin tins or dedicated popover pans, which have straight-walled sides rather than angled.

Popovers may be served either as a sweet, topped with fruit and whipped cream; or, butter and jam for breakfast; or, with afternoon tea; or, with meats at lunch and dinner.

Name

The name "popover" comes from the fact that the batter swells or "pops" over the top of the tin while baking. Popovers are also known as Laplanders.[1]

History

The popover is an American version of Yorkshire pudding and similar batter puddings made in England since the 17th century,[2] [3]

The oldest known reference to popovers dates to 1850.[4] The first cookbook to print a recipe for popovers was in 1876.[5]

A variant of popovers with garlic and herbs is called Portland (Oregon) popover pudding.[6] Other American popover variations include replacing some of the flour with pumpkin puree and adding spices such as allspice or nutmeg. Most American popovers today, however, are not flavored with meat or herbs. Instead, they have a buttery taste.

Notes and References

  1. Book: Journal cook book. 38. Albany Journal Company. Prescott. Augusta S. 1889 .
  2. Book: On Food and Cooking: The Science and lore of the Kitchen. 551. 9780684800011. McGee. Harold. 2004-11-16. Simon and Schuster.
  3. Book: James Beard's American Cookery. 9780883659588. Beard. James. 1996-10-01. Galahad Books .
  4. Oxford English Dictionary, 3rd edition, 2006, s.v.
  5. Book: Henderson, Mary F. . Practical Cooking and Dinner Giving . 71 . Practical Cooking. . Harper & brothers . 1876 . 2009-10-11.
  6. Evan Jones, American Food: The Gastronomic Story, 1975, p. 102