Few things lift the spirits on a weekend morning more than the sight of a steaming stack of pancakes topped with a pat of butter and maple syrup on the side. Although unadorned pancakes are close to perfection, you can enhance the nutrition and flavor of this breakfast favorite in several ways.
Instructions
1. Make lemon blueberry pancakes. Enhance any homemade pancake batter or commercial pancake mix by adding 2 tablespoons of lemon juice and a cup of blueberries.
2. Add sliced strawberries to pancakes. You can use a cup of fresh strawberries in season or thaw pre-sliced frozen strawberries. Finish the pancakes with a dollop of whipped cream.
3. Create a pancake face with bananas and raspberries. Gently press the fruit into the pancake after you've dropped the batter onto the skillet: Use 2 banana slices for eyes, and arrange the raspberries underneath into a smile.
4. Enhance the flavor of pancakes with flavored extracts. Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract, or experiment with other flavors, such as rum, coconut or orange extract.
5. Cook savory pancakes by adding herbs to your favorite pancake recipe. Add a teaspoon of oregano, basil or chopped rosemary into your homemade pancake batter and omit the sugar. Garnish with parmesan cheese if desired.
6. Increase the whole-grain content of pancakes. Substitute at least half of the all-purpose flour in the recipe with whole wheat flour, and sprinkle the pancakes with wheat germ or bran when you pour them onto the griddle.
7. Replace water as an ingredient in boxed, complete pancake mixes. Water adds no flavor, so use apple cider, lemon-lime soda or orange juice instead.
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