I subscribe to a fun blog roll called “The Daring Bakers”. Here I read about the secrets of real foodies. The names of these blogs say so much: The Equivocal Epicurean, Thyme For Food, Passionate About Baking, Cream Puffs In Venice and La Mia Cucina. These writers, with their culinary prowess, inspire, motivate and humble me.
These culinary superheroes work on the same challenging recipe once a month and then post their results. Now, some of the yummy delights that they create sound easy on the surface:
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Lemon Meringue Pie
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French Bread
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Cheesecake Pops
However, the recipes soon reveal that these challenges are not for the faint of heart.
Two months ago they whipped up Opera Cakes. As far as I could tell these baking masterpieces took dozens of hours to create. This did not deter me. In the secret places of my heart I desire to be a “Daring Baker” (while knowing that I could never come up with the actual hours in my day to work on the challenges and still provide a normal meal for my family!).
This month the challenge was a Danish Braided Bread. Once again, the ingredients were numerous and the hours of preparation were daunting. But I woke up a couple of weeks ago in my home up north ready to take on the task. After all, it is in this kitchen up north that I feel most capable and creative.
I broke the news to my family as each of them woke up. I would be busy in the kitchen preparing the Daring Baker’s Danish Bread. I informed them that this would occupy the bulk of my day. They tried to be encouraging. However, their countenance dropped as they pictured the eleven of us seated around the table sharing this small danish at 10:00 P.M. after starving all day. I’m certain they also pictured me frantically rushing around the kitchen, unable to give them the time of day, as I worked on my challenge.
Well, I looked at their expectant faces and I did not have the heart to continue on with this project. After all, it was breakfast time and they were hoping for something more timely to enjoy…
So, I made pancakes. I served them with tons of butter and homemade maple syrup. My sons fried bacon outside over an open fire. It was not really much of a challenge but it received rave reviews!
Here’s the uncomplicated but enjoyable recipe.
Pancakes
8 Cups flour
3 Tablespoons baking powder
2 Tablespoons sugar
1 Tablespoon salt
8 Cups milk
10 Eggs
3/4 Cup vegetable oil
Mix the dry ingredients in a very large mixing bowl. Whisk until blended or sift if you prefer smooth pancakes. In a separate bowl, lightly beat eggs and add the milk and oil. Pour the egg mixture into the dry mixture and mix until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined.
Bring a lightly greased griddle or heavy skillet to medium heat. Using a ladle, spoon the batter on to the griddle. Cook the pancake until the bubbles forming on the surface begin to pop. Then, flip the pancake and cook the other side until it is golden brown. Serve the pancakes immediately with plenty of butter and, preferably, homemade maple syrup.
“Better a dry crust with peace and quiet than a house full of feasting, with strife.” – Prov. 17:1
By the way, Happy Birthday to my super-hero!
