Scratch isn't a ingredient, you pancake!

When I was growing up there were some things that we ate that I was completely resigned to the fact that you only bought it and it wasn't made. Mac and cheese was one and making pancakes is another. I completely thought that you buy a box and add water, butter, etc was it. later on in life I have come to find that is not the fact at all. Also when you do make these from scratch it is a completely different experience altogether. Most people have the majority of the ingredients to make pancakes from scratch. (Excluding the house of A.E.M.M., you know who you are!)

This kids loved them and they are fun to make! All the ingredients your kids can dive their hands into with no issues. This time the girls didn't join because everyone was sleeping in!
Anyway, there are a few chefs that I follow loyally and this recipe is not an exception... Try Alton Brown's recipe this weekend you will not be disappointed!

"Instant" Pancake Mix
Recipe courtesy: Alton Brown Show: Good Eats
Episode: Flap Jack Do It Again
Ingredients * 6 cups all-purpose flour * 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda (check expiration date first) * 3 teaspoons baking powder * 1 tablespoon kosher salt * 2 tablespoons sugar
Directions
Combine all of the ingredients in a lidded container. Shake to mix.Use the mix within 3 months."INSTANT" PANCAKES:
* 2 eggs, separated * 2 cups buttermilk * 4 tablespoons melted butter * 2 cups "Instant" Pancake Mix, recipe above * 1 stick butter, for greasing the pan * 2 cups fresh fruit such as blueberries, if desired. Heat an electric griddle or frying pan to 350 degrees F. Heat oven to 200 degrees F.Whisk together the egg whites and the buttermilk in a small bowl. In another bowl, whisk the egg yolks with the melted butter.Combine the buttermilk mixture with the egg yolk mixture in a large mixing bowl and whisk together until thoroughly combined. Pour the liquid ingredients on top of the pancake mix. Using a whisk, mix the batter just enough to bring it together. Don't try to work all the lumps out.Check to see that the griddle is hot by placing a few drops of water onto to the griddle. The griddle is ready if the water dances across the surface.Lightly butter the griddle. Wipe off thoroughly with a paper towel. (No butter should be visible.)Gently ladle the pancake batter onto the griddle and sprinkle on fruit if desired. When bubbles begin to set around the edges of the pancake and the griddle-side of the cake is golden, gently flip the pancakes. Continue to cook 2 to 3 minutes or until the pancake is set.Serve immediately or remove to a towel-lined baking sheet and cover with a towel. Hold in a warm place for 20 to 30 minutes.Yield: 12 pancakes

Taking a page out of the book.

Last week I mentioned on this blog a book by Gordon Ramsay. Some of the words really hit me and I wanted to get Isabella in the kitchen and learning about where food comes from and how to cook it. While she was out I mixed up some fresh pizza dough so it could rise. I also cooked up some fresh pizza sauce so it could cool down as well. (Yes one weekend I would like to have her a part of the entire process. Note about the book, we have cooked 4 recipes so far and every single one is good and easy to make. Highly recommended! I may have to go out and buy it.)


I put everything out so she could assemble the pizza with Nicki.





She had a great time and we had some great pizza from scratch. Fresh always tastes better than take away.

Now That's Amore!
A major hit, signature song for Dean Martin in 1953.

Surprize. Gordon's book is also a good kids cook book

Yes it is true, this foul mouthed chef from Hell's Kitchen that I love came out with a fantastic cookbook. We rented this from our local library so we could get some tips for the adults. Although we have found that he devoted a whole chapter about kids food and cooking with them. I would encourage anyone to check out this book!

Excerpt from the kids section "Getting children involved in the kitchen from an early age encourages them to appreciate good food. It's amazing how much more a child enjoys eating food they've helped to prepare, or perhaps grow in the garden. Watching them make burgers and pizzas is so rewarding - matched by the pure delight on their faces as they later devour them. I get them to think about what they are eating and where it comes from. This year they are all growing tomatoes in the garden ... it could become competitive."

One Cupcake to rule them all...

"In the Land of Kids where the children lie.
One Cupcake to rule them all, One Cupcake to find them,
One Cupcake to bring them all and in the giddiness bind them"

Nicole has been testing different style cupcakes on all of the kids at daycare. So far this is the clear winner. The kids loved them! You should try it.