February 2nd marks in France the celebration of La Chandeleur, ‘feast of the candles,’ from the Latin name ‘Chandelorum festum’ the Christians gave it. It is associated with crêpes making and finds its roots in pagan times when Celts and Romans before them would celebrate fertility while welcoming the return of spring and promise of the future harvest with crêpes feasting and crêpes offerings to the gods.

Today, French families celebrate with crêpes and a bottle (or more!) of Cidre from Normandy or Brittany. Legend has it that you must hold a gold coin in your left hand while you flip the first crêpe. Place the coin in the crêpe and place it on top of the wardrobe for one year and it will bring you good luck. But fear unto he whose crêpe when flipped, lands crumpled in the skillet or should fall to the floor, for he will not have good luck for one year, until the next Chandeleur!

Here's an easy crêpe recipe to celebrate at home:

Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
  
  
• 2 eggs
  
  
• 1/2 cup milk
  
  
• 1/2 cup water
  
  
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
  
  
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
  
  

Directions

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients. Gradually add in the flour and salt; beat until smooth.
   
   
2. Heat a lightly oiled griddle or frying pan over medium high heat. Pour or scoop the batter onto the griddle, using approximately 1/4 cup for each crêpe. Tilt the pan with a circular motion so that the batter coats the surface evenly.
   
   
3. Cook the crêpe for about 2 minutes, until the bottom is light brown. Loosen with a spatula, turn (or flip) and cook the other side. Serve hot.