pancakes Archives | The Vanilla Bean Blog

ebleskivers with vanilla bean

Sarah Kieffer — Thu, 04 Apr 2013 03:00:56 +0000

Two weeks ago I got a text from my neighbor and dear friend Michelle. ‘We were wondering if you would all like to come over for a late breakfast tomorrow (we’re making ebleskivers/little pancakes)?’ I had so many questions (what are ebleskivers? are they the little pancakes? is it something really weird and also little pancakes?) but replied with a hurried ‘yes!’ as two little voices were clamoring for my attention. The next day we walked across our alley, eager for breakfast. We opened the door and there was Michelle working fast and furious over a hot stove, pouring and turning mysterious batter in her special cast iron pan. But we were in for such a treat, for in fact ebleskivers were tiny pancakes: puffy, golden-brown circles smothered in a little too much butter and sugar. I was completely smitten with them, and immediately decided I must spend my days hunting every thrift store this side of the Mississippi for a good ebleskiver pan. Michelle’s family serves ebleskviers at holidays and gatherings; they are a Danish pancake, known for their sphere shape. There is some arguing over spelling (ebleskiver? aebleskiver?) and, of course, ingredients, but since I am not Danish […]

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pancakes with cacao nibs + coffee syrup

Sarah Kieffer — Sat, 12 Jan 2013 09:00:00 +0000

Happy Saturday. Here’s a special, tasty treat: cacao nib pancakes with coffee syrup. I don’t know if I can go back to plain ol’ hotcakes drizzled with maple. pancakes with cacao nibs + coffee syrup I have two recipes for pancakes that this will work with, these buttermilk pancakes [just omit the strawberries] and these whole wheat pancakes [just omit the pear]. And, I’m fairly confident your own favorite recipe will work great, too. Just add 2 tablespoons cacao nibs to the dry ingredients in either recipe. coffee syrup adapted from Kim Boyce Good To The Grain This ‘syrup’ is buttery and delicious. You can add a little more or less coffee to your liking. 1 stick butter 1/2 cup honey 1/4 cup strong coffee Melt the butter, honey and coffee together in a saucepan over medium heat. Heat until boiling and slightly thickened, 2-3 minutes. Keep syrup warm until serving.

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whole wheat pancakes, with or without pears

Sarah Kieffer — Wed, 14 Nov 2012 05:31:00 +0000

This week we took down the crib, the dark wood nest my parents bought us a month before our oldest was born. It was an exciting and nerve-wracking present to receive, taking center stage in the smallest room upstairs. There we found a safe spot for our two littles, a place to rest in the night. But now all four of us are warm and cozy in beds, sleeping proudly, like big boys and girls. Even so, I find myself trying to clutch at the time, not wanting to let go of tiny hands and feet, of squeaky voices. But each new day comes regardless; I wake, tossing off the covers, moving forward anyway. This week we said good-bye to Aunt Ginger, so suddenly. She was salt-of-the-earth, quirky and kind, unafraid to give what she had. Now she is still, resting, in some safe spot of her own. I find myself clutching again, wanting to gather the time to keep it, or stop it, but peace only comes when I open my hands and just.let.go. Each night I find my bed and curl up next to my Love, holding on tightly in the dark. We are surrounded by shadows, but […]

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puffed pear pancake with vanilla bean

Sarah Kieffer — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 19:45:00 +0000

Growing up, big breakfasts were a weekend affair. During the week, it was every man for himself; my morning meal usually consisting of a heaping bowl of cereal overflowing with milk. Saturdays, though, would get a little fancy. Mom would whisk up some pancake mix, and we would slather those warm golden circles with plenty of syrup; all the cares of the week disappearing into that river and a side of bacon. Saturdays still hold their sophisticated edge around here. During the week the kids beg for cocoa wheats and bagels, but weekends we take our time with things: breakfast is a family affair, a process we enjoy from start to finish. Puffed pear pancake is one of our favorites, and we rejoice when the piping hot skillet is pulled from the oven, displaying an elevated pancake of glory. Pears, vanilla bean, a touch of maple syrup; our cares fall away at first bite. Puffed Pear Pancake adapted from Real Simple Magazine If you do not have vanilla bean sugar, you can substitute plain white sugar and 1/2 vanilla bean. You can also omit the vanilla bean and use 3/4 teaspoon cinnamon. I’ve occasionally added other fruit in with the […]

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