Homemade Pancakes

Homemade pancakes are one of this family's favorite comfort foods. Steven particularly loves pancakes. Of course, I always say he'll eat anything that's covered in syrup. Like Buddy the Elf, he thinks syrup is one of the basic food groups.

Pancakes are easy to make. I always make twice as much and freeze the rest. The kids can just warm them up in the toaster or in the microwave!

HOMEMADE PANCAKES

1 Cup Flour

3 Tablespoons Melted Butter (cooled)

1 Egg

1 Tablespoon Baking Powder

Pinch of Salt

3/4 Cup Milk

1 Tablespoon Brown Sugar

Mix all ingredients together (use my mixing tip for easier clean up). Pour 1/4 cup batter on a hot, lightly-oiled griddle or skillet. Cook until bubbles rise out of batter and edges start to look dry. You can also check underside for doneness by lifting slightly with a spatula. Turn and cook until browned on both sides. Serve hot with butter and syrup.

Home Fries/ Fried Potatoes

One of my favorite sides to any BBQ-ed meat is home fries. They are simple to make and so delicious! We love them with bacon and eggs for breakfast, too!

HOME FRIES

6 medium potatoes

Salt and pepper to taste

1 small onion

1/4 Cup chopped Green Pepper (optional)

Margarine, butter or oil

Wash potatoes well. Slice in about 1/8 inch slices using a mandolin slicer or knife. Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste, tossing to ensure even coverage and to separate slices. Heat skillet over medium-high heat and; add 4 Tablespoons of margarine. Add potatoes to skillet turning occasionally to cook evenly. Add onions and green pepper when potatoes are about half-way done to avoid burning onions. Add more margarine as needed so potatoes don't dry out.

Makes 5 large servings.

TIPS:

~6 potatoes makes a lot of slices, but they will cook down, so you'll need more than you think.

~If potatoes aren't browning, cover pan and check to turn occasionally.

~These can be made before your other dishes so you won't get distracted and burn them. They will keep just fine over low heat while you cook the rest of your meal.

Spice Up Your French Toast

If you are tired of Classic French Toast or if you'd just like to try something different, add a twist to it with one of the following tips!

~Add a splash of vanilla or almond extract or flavoring to the egg wash before you mix it up. It adds a ton of flavor to the finished product!

~Add 2 teaspoons of cinnamon to your egg wash!

~Make cinnamon stuffed french toast by softening 4 ounces of cream cheese and adding a teaspoon of cinnamon and a teaspoon of sugar. Spread one or two tablespoons cream cheese mixture between two slices of bread to make a "sandwich"; dip sandwich in egg wash and cook as usual.

~Make fruity stuffed french toast by adding 1 tablespoon of powdered sugar to 4 ounces softened cream cheese. Spread a tablespoon or two of this mixture between two slices of bread to make a "sandwich", dip sandwich in egg wash and cook as usual. Top with sliced fruit (strawberries or blueberries would be yummy!) mixed with sugar.

Classic French Toast

One of my family's favorite breakfast foods is your classic French Toast. Topped with butter and syrup and you've got a warm and delicious comfort food that is appreciated morning, noon or night.

I usually list my tips for recipes after the actual recipe, but I want to emphasize this one: French Toast is actually better when it is made with day-old or almost stale bread. Day-old or almost stale bread will give you a better texture and a sturdier end product. New, fluffy bread can result in soggy or mushy french toast.

Classic French Toast
8 Slices of Bread
3 Eggs
2 T milk

Oil (or butter) and heat a griddle or frying pan. Whisk eggs and milk in a shallow dish wide enough for bread slices. One at a time, dip bread slices in egg mixture, turning to coat completely. Place coated bread on hot griddle, turning as needed to cook all sides evenly. Serve with syrup and butter. Refrigerate or freeze any leftovers.

Tips:
~Place cooked french toast pieces on a platter covered with paper towels and set platter in your microwave (no need to start it) to keep them warm until the entire batch is done.

~After topping with butter and syrup, sprinkle sugar over the top to add a bit of extra sweetness!

My Favorite Breakfast Sandwich

I love to start the day with an egg. It gives me that protein to keep going through lunch time.

I 'invented' this sandwich after seeing a similar one made in a movie. It has become my favorite breakfast!

2 Slices of Bread, toasted

Non-stick Cooking Spray

1 Egg

Salt & Pepper

2 Slices Deli Ham

1 Slice American Cheese

1-2 Slices Tomato

Heat a small skillet or omelet pan over medium heat. Place both slices of ham in the pan to warm them. Remove ham and place on one of the slices of toast. Spray the pan lightly with cooking spray and fry the egg (I like mine 'dippy' AKA sunny-side up); salt and pepper to taste. Remove the egg from the pan and place on top of the ham slices; top with American cheese, tomato and the other slice of toast. Enjoy!

Tips

~Substitute a sausage patty for the ham.

~Add lettuce if desired.