Hopefully this blog dispels the common thought that I am some incredible cook who is constantly coming up with new recipes. PLEASE.What I would like to inspire, are more people to take on cooking simply because you can do it and should not consider it a chore but a nice way to unwind from the day. There is a learning curve. Many working folks, after a long day, don't feel like they could take on the additional challenge and the alternatives are far easier, especially living in the city. There are many days I feel like that.
Since my recent full-time job is child-rearing, I find my everyday thoughts are involved in his day and how things revolve around his activities and nap (off-and-on, nowadays). While Andrew plays more independently for longer and longer periods of time, I find myself catching up on, well, "me" things, cooking one of them. I'm a bit rusty and it's a natural progression so hopefully you will see that here.
For now, and in our tough economy and in a single income household, the importance is getting something decent on the table, without spending a boatload of money on takeout or prepared foods.
This one is simple:
Buckwheat pancake mix, maple syrup, frozen blueberries and bacon."Ployes" http://www.ployes.com/ are made from Buckwheat flour. Buckwheat flour is gluten -free, high in complex carbohydrates, potassium, phosphorous, iron, calcium, protein, and fiber. It contains twice the amount of B vitamins as wheat flour.
I found the mix at a Hannaford's supermarket in Augusta, Maine, but after looking at their website above, am happy to learn that they sell their product in many stores, most locally at the Waltham Hannaford.
For Andrew and I (Daddy was already off to work and generally prefers a more protein-rich breakfast), we used 1/3 cup of mix (makes 3 pancakes) and the same measure full of water plus another 1/3 of water added to the bowl. Mix out all the lumps and let sit 5 minutes while your skillet preheats (with a drop of butter). Basically, I am explaining what the package says. It's super-easy.
For convenience I microwaved Oscar Mayer precooked bacon for 45 seconds. This stuff is great, used in a pinch. It is also overly expensive so I only buy it on sale and use it sparingly when I don't have time for stinking up the kitchen with the real thing.
I like to keep frozen blueberries on hand. Wyman's are delicious and come in a convenient resealable package. They seem to last a long time in the freezer, too!
Pour some in a cup (I use a measuring cup since it has a spout) and add desired amount of syrup. Microwave to thaw the berries and heat the syrup, around 2 minutes. The liquid of the berries extends the syrup nicely and it's not so sugary. Please don't short your taste buds and buy the fake maple syrup.
I told him this is what we're having and he jumped right in his seat! He actually referred to them as pancakes for the first time (not the oft-repeated. "cupcakes"). Note the dramatic forkful. He loved it and is a ham for the camera!
