This recipe was given to me by my grandmother who used to serve us these when we were kids, usually for breakfast. They're pretty fatty, but they're much better than pancakes, and the name makes them fun. Kids love 'em!
Some have asked for a better description of what these things are like. The best description i can give is that they look like scones only flatter and more fried. Their texture is not dissimilar from a really light doughnut. I've also been asked to compare them to (American) biscuits, but since I've never had a biscuit of the American variety in my life, that's kind of hard. Though it might sound like it, they're not much like crumpets at all.
The name comes from their 'puffy' appearance, but it's still very silly. I have a sneaking suspicion she made the name up herself. She's just about crazy enough to try something like that. Let me know if your crazy relatives ever served you Pufftaloons.
Newsflash!
rp has advised me that in Dutch these things are called poffertjes, and that they are usually enjoyed with powdered sugar! Clearly my gran wasn't just making it up!
Enjoy.
Ingredients:
Sift the salt and flour into a bowl.
Rub in the butter gently.
Make a well in the mixture, then add the milk slowly, mixing constantly.
Use a knife to mix it to a light, soft dough.
Turn out onto a floured board, and knead gently until smooth.
Roll out to approximately 1cm thickness.
Cut out with a round cookie cutter. The rim of a glass will usually do, but getting the rounds out of the glass again without damaging them can be tricky.
Heat 1cm of oil in a pan.
Add the dough rounds.
Reduce heat and cook until they've puffed and set and are brown on one side. Turn and cook the other side until set. The brown is so the poor things know which way is up.
Drain the puffy little bastards.
Serve with jam, cream, butter, honey or whatever takes your fancy.