Lemon Crêpes

Preparation

1. Step 1

   Bring 2 tablespoons water to a boil in a small saucepan. Reduce heat; add 6 tablespoons butter, a little at a time, whisking until the butter is completely melted.

   Step 2

   Whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt in a medium bowl. In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, vanilla, and eggs. Gradually add the milk mixture to the flour mixture, whisking until smooth. Whisk in the butter mixture. Pour the batter through a fine sieve into a bowl; discard lumps. Transfer the batter to an airtight container; refrigerate at least 2 hours (or overnight).

   Step 3

   Preheat the oven to 200°F. Lightly coat a 6- to 7-inch crêpe pan or nonstick skillet with melted butter. Heat over medium heat until just starting to smoke. Remove the pan from the heat; pour 2 to 3 tablespoons batter (depending on size of pan) in the center. Swirl to cover the bottom. Reduce heat to medium-low; return the pan to the heat. Cook until the edges of the crêpe turn golden and the center is dry, about 45 seconds. Flip the crêpe; cook until the underside is brown in spots, about 45 seconds more.

   Step 4

   Slide the crêpe onto an ovenproof plate; cover with foil, and transfer to the oven. Repeat the process with the remaining batter, coating the pan with more butter as needed.

   Step 5

   Fold each crêpe into quarters to form a triangle. To serve, arrange 3 crêpes on each plate; drizzle with lemon-caramel sauce and garnish with candied lemon slices.

2. Lemon-Caramel Sauce

   Step 6

   Heat the sugar and 1/4 cup water in a medium heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has dissolved and the syrup is clear. Continue to cook, without stirring, until the syrup comes to a boil, occasionally washing down the sides of the pan with a wet pastry brush to prevent crystals from forming. Let the syrup boil, gently swirling the pan occasionally, until dark amber.

   Step 7

   Remove from heat; whisk in the lemon juice, liqueur (if desired), butter, and 2 tablespoons water. (The caramel will steam and spatter.) Serve warm.

3. Candied Lemon Slices

   Step 8

   Prepare an ice-water bath; set aside. Using a mandoline or sharp knife, cut the lemon into 12 paper-thin slices; discard the seeds and ends of the rind.

   Step 9

   Bring a medium saucepan of water to a rolling boil. Remove from the heat, and add the lemon slices; stir until softened, about 1 minute. Drain, and immediately plunge the slices into the ice-water bath. Drain.

   Step 10

   Bring the sugar and 1 cup water to a boil in a medium skillet, swirling to dissolve the sugar. When the liquid is clear and bubbling, reduce heat to medium-low. Add the lemon slices, arranging them in one layer with tongs. Simmer (do not let boil) until the rinds are translucent, about 1 hour.

   Step 11

   Transfer to a baking sheet lined with parchment. Let stand until ready to serve.