At Richmond’s downtown Thalhimers store, the Richmond Room restaurant churned out the tastiest, fluffiest popovers by the oven-full. They were served piping hot just as you sat down to the table. I would split the popover open with my knife to butter it, and a puff of steam would arise. Then I pulled the light and airy layers out with my fingers, enjoying every decadent bite. It makes my mouth water just to think of it. Mmmm…
Try this recipe, then enjoy a popover while you sit to read Finding Thalhimers. Let me know what you think…of the popover AND the book!
Thalhimers’ Richmond Room Popovers
8 Tbsp. vegetable oil, divided
2 cups all-purpose flour
6 eggs
3 cups milk, divided
1/2 tsp. sugar
2 Tbsp. baking powder (Thalhimers’ chefs insisted on Rumford)
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Using a muffin pan or popover pan, place 1 tsp. oil in each muffin cup. Place in oven until oil sizzles. In electric mixer at medium speed, beat flour, eggs, 1 1/2 cups milk, sugar and baking powder for 15 minutes. Add remaining 1 1/2 cups milk and beat 5 minutes longer. Pour batter into sizzling hot oil in muffin cups, filling each cup halfway. Bake about 20 minutes (check them at 15 minutes) until golden brown and popped. Serve immediately. Makes approximately 24 muffins (depending on size of muffin pans).
Finding Thalhimers 
Those popovers were the best! Any chance of getting the recipe for chunky chilli from the mezzanine soup bar?
Oh boy! That’s going to be a challenge. I have had more luck tracking down the pastry chefs but will see what I can do.
Everyone loved the Popovers when I worked at Thalhimer’s, but those “Clover Rolls” in the bakery might have been even better. Thanks for sharing!
Just wanted to be sure…it *is* suposed to say beat on med speed for 15 min. and then add remaining milk and beat 5 min. longer?
Yes, that’s the recipe we were given by Thalhimers’ staff! Let me know how it works out for you.
Please tell me I didn’t just see Bruce the Spruce in those pictures.
And if I did, please tell me you rescued him…that stupid tree is one of my first memories of Christmas in VA.
I’m sorry to break the news that unless someone removed it after my visit, Bruce the Spruce is with us only in memory.
What about their vegetable soup! Had that with the popovers all the time!
any chance of getting the recipe for the shrimp creole, it was fantastic!
Aw…I wish I knew that one, Kathy! I’ll have to keep looking for someone who might have it. Great request though! Yum!!
Can I cut recipe in half to make 12 popovers?
Florence, I wish I could offer more informed advice, but I’d say go for it and let me know how it turns out! 🙂