We all do things we regret. That's what this pancake is about. Come into my post -- you won't regret it!
Note: The Steemit Culinary Challenge said calories was one of the criteria for judging. But it didn't say whether it was high calories or low calories. This entry, clearly, aims high! If you want a more healthy pancake, you might like my Wild Pancake made from Shrubs, Trees, Tubers and Weeds.
Step 1. Wasn't it a party?
Let's just say, for the sake of argument, there was a celebration. Maybe it involved a lot of Liquid Sweater, a winter warmer ale, by Ex Novo Brewing Company in Portland, Oregon. A hearty dark beer full of malt flavor. For the sake of argument, of course.
Now it's morning - or mid-day, for the sake of argument. It's going to be a slow cleanup from the celebration. What to do? Well, let's see if there's any beer left in the bottles. Yep. OK, we are good to go.
Here are the keys to making a post-party pancake: it's easy, it doesn't require much precision or attention, it's slow, it's about the cleanup and moving on. All it really takes is beer and flour. But this was a big celebration and I've got some things in my pantry, refrigerator, and freezer to clean out.
I collected some different flours out of my pantry: sprouted spelt, buckwheat, and cornmeal. A jar of thick-cut oats and a jar of Plum Butter. I call it Plum Tar - it's 100% homegrown Italian prune plums, cooked down slow in a crockpot until it's thick as asphalt. So delicious! I have a slab of homegrown Pink Banana Squash that I put in the freezer after I used part of the 30 pound behemoth last fall. And there's a couple eggs.
It's not hard to make these pancakes. I do cut the peel off the squash and separate the fibers with my fingers -- just mash it up. I do crack the eggs and put the shells in the compost bucket to take out back later. Then I just start mixing it up.
I am not about to measure anything. There was a party, remember. The ratios and amounts don't matter much. The goal is to get a thick pancake consistency in the batter - sort of like masonry cement for repairing a brick wall. It's a good idea to hold back some of the beer to add in, if the batter starts getting too thick.
Step 2. Cook Slow and Steady
These pancakes won't be light and fluffy. They are sturdy cakes meant to fortify! That's what it takes to move on from less-than-stellar decisions sometimes. Each person gets one big cake. I use my big No. 10 cast iron skillet on low heat. I spoon in a big spread of batter, cover the skillet, and work on the party cleanup.
I also work on getting something to put on top of my pancake. I have homegrown black raspberries still in my freezer. And I always have maple syrup. I heat the berries and mash them up a bit. And check my big pancake.
These hefty discs won't have little bubbles on top when they are ready to flip over. They just look set and more dry. I flip them over. I stare at the intricate patterns for awhile - before I remember to keep moving and keep cleaning up my mess. Because I use low heat, I don't have to check the pancakes much.
That big bowl of ingredients made four giant pancakes. I keep them warm in the oven when someone else is around to eat these pancakes. Otherwise, I freeze them to use later. They are great to take on a long day-hike, especially warmed up by a fire!
Step 3. Enjoy Those Pancakes!
When it's time to eat, I start with the giant pancake naked. I top it with yogurt, the warm black raspberries, and maple syrup. I'm drinking strong black coffee - a couple cups. This pancake restores me. It smells like a cross between a bakery and a brewery. With fruit. It's even good for me, with the squash, plums, and berries. It's got plenty of protein, with the eggs and yogurt.
Some folks say to live life without regret. I don't regret my celebration. I don't regret my Post-Party Pancake. Nobody ever has. When friends and family visit, this is the breakfast they ask for. Every time. It's different every time, too, depending on what I'm trying to clear out. If there hasn't been a party yet, I use a fresh beer and hang out with everyone while the pancakes are cooking.
Ingredients - amounts are freestyle
Flours and grains: sprouted spelt, cornmeal, buckwheat, thick-cut oats
Liquids: beer, eggs
Additions: squash, plums
Toppings: yogurt, black rapseberries, maple syrup
What Do You Think?
Which do you prefer -- light and fluffy pancakes or hefty hearty pancakes? Do you use beer in your pancakes? What do you like on top of your pancakes? I hope you get to have a two-pound pancake sometime. It will stick with you, for sure! But I hope that you enjoy a big pancake without any regrets being involved at all.
** Haphazard Homestead **
*** foraging, gardening, nature, simple living close to the land ***
