PANCAKES!

Homemade pancakes are one of the few breakfast foods that I care to cook (others: french toast, eggs, potatoes, and breakfast burritos). They are relatively foolproof, except that one time when the butter was too hot and the milk was too cold... that did not end well [NOTE TO SELF: INGREDIENTS SHOULD BE ROOM TEMPERATURE]. But they take some trial and error, and also acceptance that the first few will be crappy looking.

Today I used this recipe, but there are a million online to choose from. This particular recipe made about 16 pancakes, using 1/4 cup batter per pancake. The key things I have to remember are THIN layer of oil or butter without letting it burn, reapplied to the pan every two-ish batches. I got a silicone pastry brush (similar) that really helps spread the oil around- so I just keep a small dish of oil on the side. I also have to resist the temptation to flip them too early- waiting until the bubbles set in place, and the edges look legit done helps me determine time to flip.

My "secret" ingredients (besides a huge cup of coffee, leading to an inevitable sugar rush + caffeine high) are vanilla (1 tsp) and spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and cardamom. Or throw in some mini-chocolate chips right after putting the batter in the pan. Also, I like to substitute half the white flour with wheat, and sometimes add flax or oat bran. Yum, healthy food.

Top with maple-flavored agave nectar or whatever you have around, and you're on your way to a delicious sugar high. Run around the block, play some cello, and eschew schoolwork! (That's just what I chose to do this morning.)

[update] Just found a file I had saved labeled "best pancakes." I think the recipe is from The Food Network magazine. Here is is:

1+1/2 cups flour

3 Tbsp sugar

1 Tbsp baking powder

1/2 tsp salt

1+1/4 cup milk

1/2 stick melted butter (or 1/4 cup)

2 eggs

1 tsp vanilla