Celebrating Life and Sweet Beginnings: Our Favorite Berries N’ Cream Crepes
Today marks a truly special occasion in our home: our beloved Little C is celebrating her third birthday! It feels like just yesterday she entered our lives, bringing an immeasurable amount of joy, laughter, and endless stories from her wonderfully imaginative mind. When asked what she wanted for her birthday breakfast, her immediate and enthusiastic reply was, “CREPES!!!!” – a request that filled my heart with warmth. It’s no secret that crepes hold a special place in our family, symbolizing comfort, celebration, and the simple pleasures of being together.
Little C, with her silly antics and bright spirit, has been a remarkable addition to our family. Her journey to us, however, was “quite the adventure,” a path paved with significant challenges and profound moments of faith. Sharing her story feels important, not just as a recollection but as a testament to resilience and the miracles that can unfold in life’s most trying times. It’s a narrative many of you may have heard in fragments, but today, as we celebrate her incredible spirit, I want to share the full journey of her arrival.
The Unseen Battle: My Hyperemesis Gravidarum Journey
My pregnancies have always been challenging, shadowed by a severe condition called Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG). This isn’t just typical morning sickness; it’s a debilitating illness that transforms pregnancy into a relentless battle for survival, often requiring prolonged hospital stays. With my first child, the extreme nausea and vomiting, coupled with severe weight loss and insomnia, finally subsided around the fourth or fifth month. But with Little C, the struggle began even before the pregnancy test confirmed what my body already knew.
I remember throwing up before the test even registered positive. Thankfully, I had a new doctor for this pregnancy, a stark contrast to my previous experience where my concerns were dismissed. This compassionate physician saw me immediately, understanding the gravity of my symptoms. She wasted no time confirming the pregnancy and initiating a treatment plan. Yet, despite her best efforts and a dedicated medical team, the following six months were a blur of in-and-out hospital visits, endless IV therapy, and a constant fight against severe dehydration and malnutrition. My weight plummeted to a shocking 81 pounds, and insomnia became a persistent, draining companion. I was utterly exhausted, both physically and emotionally, and honestly, I was done with being pregnant.
This period was undeniably the hardest of our lives. The demands of HG meant I couldn’t care for our older child, forcing us to rely heavily on the kindness of family and friends. The guilt was overwhelming; feeling like a failure as a mother because I couldn’t be there, trapped in a cycle of sickness. It’s a feeling impossible to fully grasp unless you’ve experienced it firsthand. The constant vomiting was horrific – every smell, every sip of water, every attempt to eat was pure torture. We learned that HG tends to worsen with each subsequent pregnancy, and I was living proof of that harrowing reality.
Pictured above, I was at 19 weeks, a critical juncture in my pregnancy. Just days before, a specialist at the hospital delivered devastating news: if I lost one more pound or if the baby didn’t show significant growth, the only remaining option was to terminate the pregnancy to save my life. This was a moment of profound despair, but also a call to deeper faith. My husband and I, staunch believers in the power of prayer, spent that evening pouring our hearts out. He gave me a priesthood blessing, a sacred act of faith and comfort.
What happened next was nothing short of a miracle. The very next day, my steady decline in weight miraculously leveled off; I hadn’t lost even an ounce. More importantly, our precious baby girl had grown a tiny, but significant, smidgen. Those two days are etched into my memory – I will never forget or deny the profound peace and comfort that enveloped me. We knew then, with unwavering certainty, that we would endure this trial. We felt reassured that with the little strength we had left, and through unwavering faithfulness, all would ultimately be well.
Little C’s Arrival: A Journey of Gratitude and Ongoing Care
Months later, the relentless sickness finally eased, leaving me with only occasional nausea and vomiting. The relief was immense, and our hearts swelled with gratitude for carrying this sweet baby. Our wonderful friend, Lisa, captured some beautiful prenatal photos for us, immortalizing that precious anticipation. Just a few days later, our Little C made her grand entrance. She was a tiny bundle, weighing 5.1 pounds and measuring 18 inches. It’s truly hard to believe three years have already flown by!
She’s still a tiny little thing, often wearing clothes meant for 18-month-olds, which means our journey isn’t without its continued concerns. We’re facing upcoming doctor visits and potential testing at Primary Children’s Hospital to understand her unique growth pattern. But today, those worries take a backseat. Today is about celebrating her vibrant spirit, her infectious laughter, and the immense love she brings into our lives. It’s a day to focus on the joy and the blessings right in front of us.
A Family Affair: Our Love for Crepes
In our household, crepes aren’t just a meal; they’re a cherished tradition, a canvas for culinary creativity, and a delightful way to start any day, especially a birthday! We are, without a doubt, big-time crepe enthusiasts. While I dream of owning a fancy crepe pan like my friend Savannah, for now, we happily make do with our trusty old fry pan, proving that you don’t need specialized equipment to create something magical.
These Berries N’ Cream Crepes have unequivocally stolen our hearts. They are, hands down, 100% our new favorite filled crepe. Typically, my husband and the kids gravitate towards our classic lemon crepe recipe (minus the lemon syrup when filling) and load them up with luscious Nutella. I, on the other hand, usually prefer a simple sprinkle of sugar and fresh fruit. And for those mornings when we’re aiming for a healthier start, our beloved protein crepes are the go-to. But these Berries N’ Cream Crepes? They’re in a league of their own, combining the best of sweet, creamy, and fruity flavors.
The Magic of Berries N’ Cream Crepes
I honestly can’t decide what my favorite part of these Berries N’ Cream Crepes is – are they breakfast? Are they dessert? Let’s be honest, they’re pure indulgence, suitable for any time of day! Perhaps it’s the sheer joy of knowing that my wonderful husband, Cade, made them, meaning I didn’t have to lift a finger. Or maybe it’s the incredibly creamy, perfectly sweet cream cheese filling that melts in your mouth. But then there’s that brown sugar marionberry strawberry syrup. Oh, that syrup! It’s so unbelievably good it makes your eyes roll back in your head – and I mean that in the best possible way.
These crepes are simply heaven. Pure berry heaven. The vibrant, tangy berries perfectly balance the rich, sweet cream, creating a symphony of flavors and textures that is truly unforgettable. I could honestly swim in that luxurious syrup and wrap my entire body in those delicate crepes. Things get a little crazy around here when these are on the menu, and for good reason!
Crepe FAQs: Your Questions Answered
Are Crepes The Same As Pancakes?
While often grouped, crepes and pancakes are distinct culinary creations with a key difference: leavening agents. Pancake batter contains a raising agent like baking powder or baking soda, which creates their signature fluffy, thick texture. Crepe batter, on the other hand, does not include these agents, resulting in a much thinner, flatter, and more delicate consistency. This fundamental difference makes pancakes ideal for absorbing syrup and holding hearty toppings, while crepes are perfect for rolling, folding, and encasing a wide variety of sweet or savory fillings.
Can You Make Crepes Ahead?
Absolutely! Crepes are fantastic for meal prepping and can be prepared in advance, making them an excellent choice for busy mornings or entertaining. Once cooked, allow them to cool completely. To store, simply stack them with a piece of wax paper or parchment paper between each crepe to prevent sticking. Place the stack in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic, then refrigerate for up to 3 days. This way, you can have a gourmet breakfast or dessert ready in minutes!
How Do You Reheat Crepes?
Reheating crepes is straightforward, whether you prefer the convenience of a microwave or the crispness of a skillet. For a quick reheat, place a single crepe in the microwave and heat on HIGH for about 15 seconds, or until warmed through. If you prefer a slightly crisper texture, or are reheating multiple crepes, a skillet works beautifully. Preheat a non-stick skillet over medium heat, brushing it lightly with butter or spraying with non-stick cooking spray. Place the crepes in the skillet, heating one at a time for about 30 seconds to a minute per side, until lightly golden and heated through. This method helps maintain their delicate structure and flavor.
Berries N Cream Crepes Recipe
Berries N Cream Crepes
Ingredients
For the Syrup
- 2 Cups Strawberries
- 2 Cups Marionberries, we used frozen
- 1 Cup Brown Sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon Vanilla
For the Cream Filling
- 1 Package Light Cream Cheese, 8oz, softened
- 1/2 Cup Powdered Sugar
- Pinch Salt
- 1 teaspoon Lemon Juice
For the Crepes
- 3/4 Cup All-Purpose Flour, plus 2 tablespoons
- 1/4 Cup Sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon Salt
- 3 Large Eggs
- 1 1/4 Cup Milk, (not skim)
- 2 Tablespoons Butter, melted
Instructions
For the Syrup
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Combine the strawberries and marionberries in a food processor or blender and blend until smooth.2 Cups Strawberries, 2 Cups Marionberries
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Pour into a medium saucepan and heat to low heat.
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Add the brown sugar and vanilla and bring to a simmer.1 Cup Brown Sugar, 1/2 teaspoon Vanilla
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Remove from heat and serve with crepes.
For the Cream Filling
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Using a bowl and hand mixer, beat together the cream cheese, powdered sugar, salt and lemon.1 Package Light Cream Cheese, 1/2 Cup Powdered Sugar, Pinch Salt, 1 teaspoon Lemon Juice
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Set aside.
For the Crepes
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In a bowl, combine flour, sugar and salt.3/4 Cup All-Purpose Flour, 1/4 Cup Sugar, 1/4 teaspoon Salt
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Whisk to combine and set aside.
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In another bowl, combine eggs and milk.3 Large Eggs, 1 1/4 Cup Milk
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Whisk to combine.
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Add the flour mixture into the egg mixture, add the butter and whisk until just smooth.2 Tablespoons Butter
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Heat a skillet over medium heat.
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Spray with non stick spray or melt a little butter.
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Add a scant 1/3 cup of the batter, picking up the pan to swirl in a clockwise motion to coat the entire bottom.
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Let cook until just starting to brown and then using a rubber spatula carefully flip the crepe.
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Cook on the other side until just starting to turn golden.
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Serve with a thin layer of cream, roll to close and pour warm syrup over the top.
Recipe Notes
Nutrition
Serving: 1g, Calories: 238kcal, Carbohydrates: 40g, Protein: 5g, Fat: 7g, Saturated Fat: 4g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 2g, Trans Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 59mg, Sodium: 162mg, Potassium: 210mg, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 32g, Vitamin A: 317IU, Vitamin C: 19mg, Calcium: 93mg, Iron: 1mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Baked Caprese Crepes: A Savory Delight
If you’re looking to explore the savory side of crepes, our Baked Caprese Crepes offer a delightful and sophisticated option. Filled with fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and fragrant basil, then baked to golden perfection, these crepes are perfect for a light lunch or elegant dinner. They bring the classic Italian flavors of Caprese salad into a warm, comforting crepe format.
Strawberry Crepes: A Classic Sweet Treat by Barbara Bakes
For those who adore classic sweet crepes, these Strawberry Crepes from Barbara Bakes are an absolute must-try. Bursting with the fresh, vibrant flavor of strawberries, they make for a simple yet elegant breakfast or a light, refreshing dessert. They’re a timeless favorite that embodies the pure joy of fresh fruit in a delicate crepe shell.
Bananas Foster Crepes: An Indulgent Creation from The Kitchn
Ready to elevate your crepe game to a whole new level of decadence? The Bananas Foster Crepes from The Kitchn are an incredibly rich and satisfying option. Inspired by the famous New Orleans dessert, these crepes feature caramelized bananas in a buttery, rum-infused sauce, creating an unforgettable explosion of flavor. They’re perfect for a special brunch, a romantic dessert, or any occasion that calls for a truly indulgent treat.