The weekends are often the only times that the family can actually get together and enjoy each other’s company. It is also probably dad’s only time to shine in the kitchen and he is going to need to do something a little more than pancakes to keep the entire family interested. If dad has the skills, get a crepe maker and Sunday breakfast will never be the same.

The crepe itself is a thin pancake that traces its origins to France. However, crepes are now very popular in the United States. The crepe is cooked and then filled with certain ingredients. After the crepe is filled, it may be eaten or may first be baked, sauted, or fried.

The great thing about crepes is they can be eaten any time of day. Breakfast crepes are filled with ingredients such as eggs, sausage, ham, and cheese. At lunchtime, the crepe may contain lunchmeats, vegetables, and cheese. The dinner crepe includes meats such as steak or chicken mixed with asparagus, broccoli, or other vegetables. Crepes filled with custard, fruit, syrup, and whipped cream make the perfect dessert.

As far as crepe makers go, there are two main types to choose from, electric or griddle. The traditionalists would not be caught dead with an electric crepe maker, but they do offer consistency. Those that are truly into the art of making crepes will insist on using one of the finer griddle style crepe makers available.

For those of us that are “crepe challenged,” the World Cuisine 13″ Tibos Electric Crepe Maker is a fine choice. It is a bit expensive at about $150, but the crepes come out perfect just about every time. For someone that is looking to spend a little less, look no further than the CucinaPro 1448 12″ Griddle. At $50, it is tough to find anything better in this price range.

Griddle style crepe makers provide a more traditional unevenly cooked crepe. These cost about $20 to $100 depending on size and type of cooking surface. At a cost of $20 each, the family can purchase several crepe griddles for the home in order to get the kids in on the cooking action.

Crepe makers come in electric, gas, and griddle varieties with either single or multiple cooking surfaces. Crepes may be filled with almost any ingredient that suits the palate and they serve as a quick and easy meal any time of day. Parents and children will enjoy family crepe night at home using a crepe maker.

Check out the widest selection of crepe machines and electric crepe griddles at Jonny Jacobs site.