Kitchen Moxy

Pancakes for dinner? Why yes! When my kids were young, we often ate breakfast for dinner once a week, usually on Friday. We also had a special night called Taco Tuesday, which they enjoyed. Having a plan where you have one breakfast and one dinner each week can make meal planning easier and healthier. It helps organize meals better, reduces the stress of deciding what to eat, and allows trying new recipes or cuisines. This method also simplifies shopping and helps control portion sizes. As the children grew into teenagers, I encouraged them to plan and cook a family meal on a designated night, which helped them learn cooking skills and become more independent.

Initially, this plan did not provide much relief from the kitchen work. However, as they gained confidence in their skills, planning meals became easier and less tiring. Watching them become more independent turned mealtime into an enjoyable experience.

Light as Air Pancakes

Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 eggs, separated
• ¾ cup milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Strawberry syrup, to serve (see below

Process

1. Sift the flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt into a bowl.
2. Put egg yolks and milk into another bowl and gently beat in the sifted dry ingredients.
3. Put the egg whites into a clean mixer bowl and beat until stiff peaks form. Using a spatula, fold whites into the batter.
4. Heat the prepared griddle over medium-low heat. Pour 1/4 cup of batter into the pan and cook in batches over low heat until small bubbles begin to appear on the surface and the underside is golden brown. Flip the pancakes over and cook the other side for 1 more minute.
5. Spread with whipped butter (recipe below) and maple syrup, strawberry syrup, blueberry syrup, or fresh fruit.

Whipped Butter

• ½ cup of softened butter
• 1 ½ teaspoon of whipping cream, milk or water
• Whip the butter and liquid of your choice until light and fluffy.

Variations

• Add a teaspoon of honey for honey butter or
• ½ teaspoon of Cinnamon and 1 tablespoon of maple syrup for a sweet topping

Fruit Syrup Ingredients

• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup of water
• 1-1/2 cups mashed unsweetened strawberries, raspberries or blueberries

Process

1. Bring sugar and water to a boil.
2. Gradually add fruit of choice, return to a boil.
3. Reduce heat. Simmer, uncovered, 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Strain fruit if desired.
5. Serve with pancakes, waffles or ice cream.