Celebrate Christmas morning with a simple recipe of crêpes made extra special with a garnish of fresh fruit and a lovely sparkling wine. More info on the wine below.

3 large eggs
1 cup (250 mL) all-purpose flour
½ cup (125 mL) milk
½ cup (125 mL) sparkling water (or plain water)
2 tbsp (30 mL) sugar
2 tbsp (30 mL) vegetable oil or melted butter (more for pan)
2 tsp (10 mL) vanilla extract
pinch of salt

1. Place all ingredients in a blender in the order they are listed.
2. Blend until completely smooth, scraping down the sides to incorporate all the flour.
3. Heat a 9″ pan over medium heat, add enough oil or butter to coat surface. Place a ¼ cup (60 mL) batter in pan and swirl to coat bottom. Cook until lightly golden, about 1 minute and flip to cook second side for     about 30 seconds. If batter seems too thick stir in an extra 1 tbsp (15 mL) water to loosen.
4. Continue cooking crêpes until all are finished. Keep warm in a low oven if desired. Roll and garnish with your choice of topping; fruit, whipped cream, maple syrup, icing sugar or à la francaise with lemon juice and sugar.

Makes about 12.

Sparkling Saumur Brut, Chateau D’Eternes (Loire, France)  $15

It’s not often that a sparkling wine from Saumur hits the LCBO shelves so this was a great surprise. The first winery I ever visited was in the Loire region so it holds a special place in my memories. It’s made with Chardonnay and Chenin Blanc, the classic white grape of the Loire. It’s made in the Traditional Method and offers up quite a bit of finesse for its $15 price tag. Lots of bright citrus fruit and florality, not a load of complexity but thoroughly enjoyable and a finessed effervescence. These bubbles would be right at home with brunch, as an aperitive or served with a sauté of shellfish for Christmas dinner. Cheers!