I've created a monster...

..and I did it almost all by myself.

I was going to post Girls Camp pictures today but Gary needed the camera for work today and those pictures are not yet on the computer. So, I thought I'd share with you my thoughts I had last night as I was making dinner about how this monster evolved.

But first, let me start with this. Ever since I can remember, I've never liked pancakes or waffles. No offense to the mother, but they were just never really all that good. My mom used Bisquick or some kind of premade mix...doesn't everyone? Well, ours never turned out, the waffles split in half when we opened the waffle maker which A) created an ugly waffle and who wants to eat an ugly messed up waffle? B) created a mess, so by then, you're a bit frustrated and don't feel like eating it anyways. C) They still never tasted all that great to begin with anyhow. So, I just stopped eating them all together.

I share that as proof that I didn't ENTIRELY create this monster I've become. It's always been in me...even before I knew any different.

Fast forward a few (quite a few) years. Gary and I are dating and make a trip down to Arizona to get away and visit his Brother and Sister who both lived there with their families. One morning, his sister made pancakes. Inside I start to worry just a little bit. You know why...I don't like them! PLUS, this was the first time I had met his family. First impressions are everything you know! I decided (as anyone would) to eat them anyways. Well, guess what? I LOVED them! So, what was so different about these pancakes than the ones I'd grown up hating? For starters, I learned that these pancakes were made from scratch. No boxed mix anything...and second, the syrup, home made too. Sorry Mrs. Butterworth-lessness. None of you this time! Absolutely DIVINE!

This has created a very big problem for me (kind of like my pen problem). I like all things homemade. Bread, Oatmeal, Pancakes, Syrup, Waffles, Cakes, Muffins, etc. you name it...it makes a bit more work for me, but it's SO SO SO much more worth it. Except, that now I'm sort of obsessed with it. For example, Girls Camp...I offered to bring the pancake mix JUST so I would know that it was home made and not that Krusties yucky stuff from Costco. More times than not, I will go without than even TRY to eat any sort of pre-mix breakfast.

Recently, the Elders Quorum had the duty of cooking breakfast for the Ward Fathers and Sons outing. Gary got put in charge of the pancakes (rumors had spread through the ward about the Buttermilk Pancakes). When the time got close, Gary decided he'd just go to Costco and buy some Krusties instead of going to the trouble. Oh no! Trouble or not, I would have none of that. I wasn't even going to be there to eat any, but I couldn't stand the thought of MY husband making Krusties pancakes! So, I made some zip lock bags of the pancake mix and sent him away with the liquids to add to it...Problem Solved. (I think I might be a tiny bit obsessed)

Near the end of July we're going on a backpacking trip with the Young Women and I'm already dying because the menu is planned the menu and it's instant oatmeal for breakfast (understandably since we do need to pack light) and I don't know if I'll be able to force feed myself that stuff! Yikes! - It's the same issue with food storage. I know some of that stuff is great stuff to have around in an emergency, but I'm pretty sure that even an emergency would not get me to eat Krusties pancakes or instant oatmeal. Issues!

With that rant...I leave you with a few awesome recipes...try them and you'll become just like me! And then we can blog about it together! :)

Buttermilk Pancakes
3 Eggs
1 2/3 C. Buttermilk
1 tsp. Baking Soda
1 1/2 C. Flour
1 Tbs. Sugar
1 tsp. Baking Powder
1/2 tsp. Salt
3 Tbs. soft Butter

Separate egg yolks from whites. Beat egg whites until soft peaks. In another bowl, beat yolks, then add buttermilk and baking soda. Mix together then add remaining ingredients and mix. Fold in egg whites. Cook on griddle until light brown.

Not to be eaten without:

Buttermilk Syrup: (I've tried many recipes out there, THIS is the best)
1 C. Sugar
2/3 C. Buttermilk
1/2 C. Butter
1/4 tsp. Baking Soda
1 tsp. Vanilla

Over medium heat, melt butter & sugar. Once melted and sugar is dissolved, add buttermilk. When it begins to boil, remove from heat & add the rest of the ingredients. (Use a bigger pot because when you add the baking soda, it bubbles up quite a bit)

Or, if you prefer to make normal home made maple syrup. Just go to the grocery and find the isle with the Vanilla flavorings and such. Pick up your self a bottle of Mapleine - Imitation Maple Flavor. Directions are on the box. Once you try it, you'll never go back! Pretty sure it's MUCH cheaper than buying that gross store bought stuff anyhow! :)

Crepes:
1 C. Flour
2 Eggs
1/2 C. Milk
1/2 C. Water
1/4 tsp. salt
2 Tbs. butter, melted
1/2 C. sugar (or less if you prefer)

Blend all ingredients in a blender for 30-60 seconds...then go at it! Don't forget all those delicious toppings!

Peggy's Bread (My Mother In-Law is Peggy. I hope I'm not sharing some secret family bread recipe! Gary and I LOVE this bread)
Mix together for 30 seconds:
3 C. Flour
1/2 C. Sugar
3 tsp. Salt
1/3 C. oil
3 C. warm water (110-115)

Add:
2 Tbs. yeast and then mix for another 30 seconds

Add:
4 C. Flour - knead (or mix) for 6-8 minutes (You might need more flour. I do at this high altitude)

Put in 3-4 greased bread pans. Let rise 1 1/2-2 hours. Bake at 350 for 25 minutes. After baked butter the tops and remove from pans to let cool.

I'm not THAT bad am I?