Sometimes I must admit I like doing things for attention. I don’t mean streaking across a grass pitch on a televised sporting event or having an “accidental” wardrobe malfunction in front of a crowd. Most of the attention seeking things I do are related to food and bringing food to events. I figure if you turn up to an event with something nice, well at least someone is going to talk to you. Call it your immediate “plus one”. Someone has just got to talk to you when you bring a two tier chocolate cake to a baby shower.
I’ve always been terrible at making small talk and networking. I tend to stick to my known friends and associates and remain talking to them at parties. I’d watch the social prowlers stalk the room, the really skillful ones so subtle that before you knew it, you’d had your “two minutes” with them and exchanged cards and before you knew what was going on, they were onto their next conquest. I often wish I possessed that skill, but sadly I do not so I am stuck creating sweet and sugary conversation lures.
As soon as I saw this recipe pictured in my copy of “Poh’s Kitchen” my heart started thumping. These pancakes masquerading as fettuccine pasta were exactly the kind of conversation point that I love. Sure it’s not a cake but flambee anything and you’ve got an attention seeking missile. They are simple to make, and her recipe for crepes is a good one and the rest is simply dicing up some strawberries and zesting and juicing an orange or two and then cooking it along with some Grand Marnier in a sauce. I used some of the Grand Marnier Limited Edition Ruby bottle I was sent which is just so purty with that huge, sparkling ruby in the centre.
You could of course omit the flambeeing of the alcohol like I did. I don’t have a gas stove and when I first made this on a test run there was just me at home as it was mid afternoon and it didn’t feel quite necessary as one tends to flambee to get an appreciative “oooh” or “ahhh!” and some attention. Perhaps I could have put on a show for my neighbours instead?
So tell me Dear Reader, are you good at talking to strangers at parties?
“Fettuccine” Crepes Suzette
Recipe adapted from Poh’s Kitchen, published by ABC Books $39.99
Serves 3-4 people for dessert
Crepe batter (makes 8-9 crepes)
- 1/3 cup (40g) plain flour
- 2 large free range eggs
- 3/4 cup (190ml) whole milk
- pinch of salt
- butter to grease pan
For sauce
- 4 tablespoons caster/superfine sugar
- 160ml orange juice
- zest of 1 medium sized orange
- 6 tablespoons Grand Marnier
- 3-4 strawberries, diced into small cubes
1. In a bowl add the flour and salt and in a jug whisk the eggs and milk together. Slowly add the egg and milk mixture to the flour whisking constantly to get rid of lumps. The mixture should be watery.
2. Heat a frypan on low to medium heat and add butter and melt it. Pour a little batter into the pan tilting the pan to spread the batter to the edges. Fry until lacy and lightly golden. Carefully turn over and cook the other side just briefly. Repeat with the rest of the batter.
3. With a stack of four crepes roll them up and then slice them into 5mm or 1/4 inch strips. Gently separate and place on a plate. Scatter over with the diced strawberries. In a saucepan, heat the sugar until it starts to caramelise into an amber colour and then add orange juice, zest and Grand Marnier.
4. To flame, you need to do it on a gas cooktop. Tilt the pan away from you so that the liquid is almost pouring out of the pan. The alcohol fumes will naturally attract the flame and will alight. Return the pan to a flat position to cook the alcohol off and the flame will die when the alcohol is cooked off. Pour this sauce over the “fettuccine” and you have your conversation starter!
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72 Comments | Add your own
That is one great idea! What a lovely dessert!
Cheers,
Rosa
Wow that’s a great recipe! Sounds so delicious too! I don’t mind talking to strangers whether it’s at a party or anywhere else (bus stops, shop queues), I quite enjoy it actually!
I’m actually really bad at talking to strangers at parties! Not my thing at all. Mr P, on the other hand, is great at it.
Love this “fettucini” so clever, and would also make a great April Fool’s dish!
*kisses* HH
This looks delish, Lorraine. No need to make perfect crepes if you cut them up… and I do love those orangey flavors for a suzette… also one of the first grown-up desserts I had so I have a soft spot in my heart for them… with the flame though, love flame… tiny pyro that I am!
Oh dear! A first I thought you had bacon and sundried tomato with crepe suzette!! Thank God I was seeing things! The flouvour that you have there would be delicous, I love Grand Marnier in desserts
I can’t imagine that you are shy! I love talking to people. I am excited to get the opportunity to meet different people. I get a little attack of the butterflies before the event. (Am I wearing the “right” dress etc) but when I am there I love chatting. Sometimes I think people think I am a little strange by making random small talk with them out of the blue, but I have met so many interesting people that way
What a unique dish!!! I am not all that great at small talk – but Mr BBB is really good at it – so by association I often meet lots of new people!
I’ve seen you in action Lorraine – you’re pretty good at working a crowd! I think people naturally flock to you. As to how much influence the food you bring has… Probably helps a bit too!
No, I am like you – I tend to go with the food accolades as my openers into conversation (that’s why blogging is so great – you can let go of your inhibitions – and hide behind your keyboard!!)
Love that dessert – will have to make an entrance with that one!!!
This looks so good! I’m craving pasta now!
I’m terrible at talking to strangers in group settings, but you are right, food helps!
These look good
Hmm.. now I am interested in getting this cookbook. I am like you. Not very good with small talk and always stick to who I know.
Your crepe’s look perfect! I can never get them thin enough…
that’s one very interesting and creative way to eat a crepe. looks like it would be pretty yummy!
Crepes are not my friends
They really look like fettuccine, Lorraine!! Love the colours and how the contrasts stand out too… I would have this for lunch anyday
Looks delicious Lorraine! I’m naturally very shy, so it takes some convincing or some alcohol to get me to chat to strangers…
Wow what a combination of unexpected ingredients. And the strawberries even look like tomatoes, making you think it’s savory. Love it!
Ooh – this bothers my salty-sweet equilibrium… I don’t know what to think…!
Classic! Lovely dessert, could have one 2day with this rain outside
dario
Well, since I am 6′ and a smile tall I am rather hard to miss at a social function so I can’t just be a non-descript wallflower- lol. I do TRY to come out of my shell and talk to new people. I am rather shy, actually, but I can put on a ‘game’ face and be a social butterfly when called upon to do so. The best place in the world for me to be social is in my own kitchen- I love nothing better than cooking for and with other people. I wonder if other ‘foodie/ cooks’ are like me?
I shall have to try the recipe, and as usual, girl, you rock!!
Oh! I LOVE your tea set! Its so cute!
I need to learn to mingle more – I tend to stick to my own and get really nrevous when left alone haha
I’m with you all the way, Lorraine, when it comes to mixing & networking. I’m much happier in the kitchen getting things ready. My husband is a real whizz at networking & although shy he puts himself out there. Great receipe, can’t wait to try it!
Fabulous idea, that would be a sure “hit”. I will have to send this to my brother up in Cairns, where he has always enjoyed cooking up the flambe strawberries and top notch icecream for dessert when he is out with a new girl, says its a sure fire “winner”, but this i think he will enjoy and be even more successful than his “tried and true” recipe !
Looks great – not too much knife and fork action, gets it in your mouth much faster
I’m terrible at small talk at parties, don’t like parties much for that reason…. apart from the food!
Hi Lorraine. Sorry I haven’t been commenting on your blog for a while, as I have been a good girl and have been on a diet for 54 days and have lost 15 kilos….so there is no way I could have looked at your blog and stayed on my diet…and this one proves it…looks like I’m having fettuccine crepes for my weight loss party hehehe. I will be reading all the others to catch up with what you have been doing later and try not to lick the screen
As a dedicated tea drinker, I have to admire that lovely tea set, Lorraine!
As for small talk at parties – I’ve never really worked it out and my biggest anxiety inducer is to walk into a room where I don’t know anyone!
I’m terrible at small talk – although a glass of wine often helps quite a bit! I have trouble thinking of things to say and I hate the ackward pauses. And I never know how to extricate myself from the conversation politely…
Wow I feel so much better knowing that you have trouble networking at parties as well. I put it down to my lack of self-confidence and hate sitting on the side and scanning the room hoping to find someone I know so I can hang out with them. I dread business functions for days before the event because I get so nervous about not knowing anyone there. But then whenever I’m doing a cake display, I feel so popular and full of confidence because everyone comes over to me instead of me having to look for them lol. Their lovely comments make me feel great. FOOD IS AWESOME! Especially cupcakes
thats something special lorraine
I don’t believe you can’t do small talk!
Another wow dish, Lorraine, although you’re too special not to indulge in a flambé for yourself. We all like oooh’s and aaah’s and getting it from yourself is more valuable than from others. *grin* Maybe one of those long BBQ lighters would do the trick?
I’ve been just like you at parties, staying in my comfort zone. A couple of years ago I made a commitment to work on my small talk skills with others. The secrets that have helped me immensely are that:
1. People generally love to talk about themselves to someone who looks interested and knows how to ask questions to draw them out.
2. People love interesting anecdotes and good ones can spark effortless conversations.
You’re an excellent interviewer, Lorraine, so preparing some scripted questions (that don’t sound scripted *grin*) might help break the ice, at least it did for me. I try to engage people with their interests and hobbies first and leave work-related questions until last or discuss work when they bring it up.
Lorraine (and all!), have a marvelous December!
Oh gosh, maybe its just me, or maybe its this political town I live in where networking has been taken to a level beyond ridiculousness in its blunt obviousness ……Oh dear, I think Anna is showing some claws
I’m with you on this one… I’d much rather make a statement in another way, it must be a foodie thing.
OMG YUM!!
Lorraine this is a brilliant creation yummy!
Wow, great ideas when you crepes are all different size or they break!
The sauce looks lovely too!
ciao
Alessandra
This is very creative.
Lorraine, I’d much prefer being given a plate of something as gorgeous as this than a business card. ANY DAY. Your style of attention-seeking is just right, I think!
I know what you mean, I am the queen of social awkwardness. Sadly I am not v good with the whole food thing either, so I have to rely on my trusty friend vodka to supply me with conversation starter. Otherwise I am in the corner looking scared
I like that sort of culinary attention because I tend to stay in a quiet corner of a party – or preferably in the kitchen!
And I love it when I open my blog reader and see a title like this one and just know it will amaze me with yet more inspired ideas – fantastic recipe – bookmarked!
I love the creativity of this recipe. I wish I had a gas stove/oven
I don’t really ‘do’ small talk, but I think it’s a great skill, one that I should probably learn at some point!
A very cool idea! I like crepes better than noodles, so this one is for me.
I am not great at “working the room”- if someone is nice and makes an effort back, it’s OK, but if you end up with some prickly creature who really doesn’t want to know you, or someone who keeps gazing off into the distance looking for someone better, I retreat to my cave. Finding common ground can be difficult with someone you don’t know.
I had to do a double-take when I saw the snapshot at the top of this post. I really thought it was ribbons of fettucine with sun-dried tomatoes and lemon zest!
I have been on a blogging break for so long. I have missed all your lovely posts!
Making small talks is my biggest fear. I can get so awkward talking to unknown people.
Ooh yummy. I can talk to strangers at parties, but only if I put my journalist persona on. Then I am brilliant at making small talk and chatting and drawing people out. But if it’s just me, I’m actually quite shy and like most writers, better with writing my words, than speaking them. I do love finding out people’s stories, so I guess if the company is intriguing it’s easy to talk to people. If not – they are boring, rude, not talkative – there is no story and I don’t make the effort. However if they are just shy – I get that, and I try to make them feel comfy as soon as possible.
Brilliant! I love how you can turn something so simple into something so impressive!
What a fun tromp d’oeil — and a delicious looking one at that.
I always linger by the food table- not because I’m greedy, but because you can always start a conversation around food. “Doesn’t that tart look yummy!” “Who made the cupcakes?” “Do those chicken bits smell funny to you?” That sort of thing. I can stretch myself out of my comfort zone if I must, but I’m really an intro-food-overt at heart.
Absolutely love your tea set! And this looks so good! I hate people at parties who are all about show off and portraying themselves as certain type which they certainly are not, sometimes, I just go eat and come back. And sometimes I’m so loud and crazy in the parties, I start regretting it next day. I’m classy that way
*squeals in delight!* Lorraine this is a fabulous recipe!! Thanks for sharing your version. I love everything about it. Crepes into pasta? yes please!!
I usually am good at small talk, however if I’m not in the mood then there is nothing worse!
Heidi xo
What a cute idea! That certainly does sound like a conversation piece.
Oh Lorraine, I can’t believe that you are bad at networking! I was hoping to get some tips from your book when it’s out! I am pretty much as you describe yourself. I guess that’s why we blog! Love your idea of using the food as an “other”, will have to remember that next time i’m invited to a function!
Gah – I am TERRIBLE at talking to strangers (at parties, or anywhere else for that matter). Small talk and I don’t just don’t mix well…I find I get nervous and just start blabbering on about nothing so that there is no uncomfortable silence. It’s making me anxious just thinking about. I cannot even bake a nice cake, or crepe, to help break the ice!
I’d have to say I’m a bit shy and stick with the people I know but I’m not above bringing along some type of sugary showpiece, it definitely does get the conversations flowing.
I’ve mostly been the shy retiring type but like you found that carrying around something delicious usually fixed the problem! This is such a lovely way of eating crepes!
This is amazing! I actually though there was fettucini on top of the crepe
It does look like it! I love it for the fact that it’s a fairly simple idea but makes something so different 
I used to be good at nonsensical banetr, but now I’m not! Now I’d much rather be immersed in sweet food talk as this. Delightful Lorraine, great pick from the book. You should have just run the show for the neighbours!!
{Just back from a Thermomix dem…and I absolutely want one!}
This looks wonderful! great idea!
Lorraine, I find it hard to believe you’re not the life of the party! I must admit, I am terribly shy when meeting strangers too. If I’ve got a friend with me then I’m game to chat to other people though – safety in numbers
Love these fun crepes.
I looked at this and immediately thought how much I’d like it for breakfast tomorrow. I wonder if I thought this because that is my next meal and I want to eat it as soon as possible?
I am both good and bad at talking to strangers, depends entirely on my mood and also the party I guess. I think there is generally also a correlation with how much alcohol I have consumed.
Such a fun idea. We love strawberry crepes. If I call it fettucine can I eat it for dinner? xoxo Mum
what a great idea. I’m not good at talking to strangers either but definitely happy talking about food
This is such an adorable idea, Lorraine! Everything you do gets my attention, as it is always unique and lovely. This would be a beautiful addition to a holiday brunch!
Lorraine…this way to serve crepe is fantastic…I love it since I can make sure that all the “fettuccini” has it shares of the sauce…yummie! If it is a comfort…I am like you, very shy to start conversation with strangers
Oooh, what a great idea! I wouldn’t have flambeed either as the only people I would have created a show for would be the Fire Dept.
I am hopeless at small talk, but the problem is that others thing I am good at it (or at least should be) and really if I don’t like someone or I feel self-conscious I just clam up
dreadful at talking to people at parties unless I can chat about books (sigh). My husband and I always end up talking to each other all night.
I am TERRIBLE in social situations and I do exactly the same as you – I substitute food for conversation! I am most certainly an attention seeking cake baker..
what an interesting creation! it’s gorgeous, lorraine. and in answer to your question, i’m TERRIBLE at small talk with strangers. i’d rather be in the kitchen. or eating.
I find it hard to believe that you are shy and have a hard time talking to people you don’t know. I picture you as the planet everyone else revolves around like little satellites! But I can so see you bringing that WOW dish to any event. This one looks the show stopper. Yummy!
awesome recipe! I’m absolutely terrible! I also just stick to the few people I know in the room and look on enviously as the minglers mingle and I leave without having met anyone helpful or influential!
I am not a natural networker, but I would have thought you were. I am sure this dish had lots of people talking to you!
What an interesting way to present crepes. You can have them for main and then sweets for dessert! I am not good at talking at parties at all, unless I have had a few drinks…
What a great idea Loraine…so very Franco-Italio-Phile!
Love it!
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