“If you ask me what my favorite family recipe is, it won’t be a fancy pasta or an elaborate Sunday sauce. It’ll always be Scrappel.” – Gino DeSalvatore

Growing up in an Italian family, this was one of those dishes that meant everyone was home. It wasn’t something we made to impress people. We made it because it was comforting, simple, and brought us together around the table.

When Karen and I began planning our Story & Vine Supper Club for Unconditionally Her, I knew I wanted to share something that truly represented my family’s traditions. I wanted our guests to experience more than a meal—I wanted them to experience a piece of my childhood.

Scrappel may not look like much at first. It’s delicate homemade crepes rolled with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and gently soaked in hot chicken broth. But don’t let its simplicity fool you. Every bowl carries years of family dinners, conversations, laughter, and love.

I hope when you make this recipe, you don’t just follow the directions. I hope you gather the people you love, linger around the table a little longer, and make a few memories of your own.

After all, that’s what traditions are really about.

— Gino Desalvatore

Gino’s Italian Scrappel Recipe

Servings: 4–6

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Equipment

Ingredients

Crepes

Filling

Broth

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Batter

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt.

Gradually whisk in the water, about ½ cup at a time, until the batter is smooth. You may not need all of the water. The batter should be thinner than cake batter but not watery.

Step 2: Cook the Crepes

Heat your crepe pan or skillet over medium heat. The pan should be warm but not scorching hot.

Pour some batter onto a dinner plate and dip the bottom of the crepe pan into the batter so a thin layer sticks to the surface.

Cook for about one minute. The crepe should easily release from the pan.

Continue until all the batter has been used.

Step 3: Fill the Crepes

Lay one crepe flat.

Spread about one tablespoon of freshly grated Parmesan cheese evenly across the crepe, adding more if necessary so the cheese reaches almost to the edges.

Roll the crepe tightly and place it into a large serving bowl.

Repeat until all the crepes are filled.

Step 4: Add the Broth

Heat the chicken broth until hot.

Ladle the broth over the rolled crepes.

Allow them to soak for 2–3 minutes before serving.

Serve immediately in individual soup bowls.

Taste of Traditions Tip

Like many treasured Italian family recipes, every family prepares Scrappel a little differently. Some add extra Parmesan, while others make the crepes paper thin. The ingredients may vary, but the tradition remains the same—bringing family and friends together around the table.

Editor’s Note: From Our Story & Vine Table to Yours

At Unconditionally Her, our Story & Vine Supper Club celebrates the recipes that become family traditions. Gino’s Scrappel has become one of those unforgettable dishes that reminds us the best meals aren’t always the most elaborate—they’re the ones shared with people we love. – Sandy