Kratzer

This Viennese treat, often known as the Emperor's mess, is a fluffy, lightly caramelized scrambled pancake. According to legend, kaiserschmarrn was Kaiser Franz Joseph I's favorite dessert, for which it was named.

Traditional accompaniments include zwetschkenröster (plum compote) or a large spoonful of apple, pear, or berry preserves. Kaiserschmarrn, which is lavishly powdered with icing sugar, is the ideal comfort food, suitable for an emperor and easily one of Austria's best sweets.

Apfelschmarrn (apples), kirschschmarrn (cherries), mirabelenschmarrn (mirabelle plums), nußschmarrn (walnuts, almonds, hazelnuts), and sauerrahmschmarrn (walnuts, almonds, hazelnuts) are some of the modern twists on this Austrian staple, depending on the filling (sour cream).

Ingredients: (4 Servings) 6 eggs, 350–400 ml milk, 180–200 g finely ground flour, 3 tbsp crystal sugar, for the topping, 2 tbsp raisins, 1 packet (8g) vanilla sugar, a dash of rum, some grated lemon rind, a pinch of salt, approx. 50 g butter for frying, 1 tbsp of butter shavings and crystal sugar, for caramelizing, icing sugar and cinnamon for dusting

Instructions:

1. Soak the raisins in rum for 15 minutes in a separate bowl.
2. To make the dough mix the egg yolks, milk, flour, grated lemon rind and vanilla sugar until smooth. Beat the egg whites with sugar and salt until firm peaks appear, and fold them into the dough mixture.
3. Set the oven to preheat at 180 °C and melt the butter in an ovenproof dish.
4. Pour the batter into the dish and sprinkle it with soaked raisins after 1-2 minutes, leaving the underside to cook until light brown. Turn the mixture over and bake for another 6-8 minutes in the oven until golden brown.
5. Cut the schmarren into smaller pieces, sprinkle with butter shavings and crystal sugar, then place under the broiler to caramelize under high top heat.
6. When done, place the dish on preheated plates and dust with cinnamon and icing sugar. It’s best served with fruit compotes and sauces, notably apple and cranberry ones, and also baked plums.