Fluffy Pancakes - You Know You Waaaant Them

Goal - the fluffy pancake, like the huge stack you get at your favorite diner.
Mission - complete.

I believe it is a combination of buttermilk (acid) and the use of both baking soda and powder that helps to perk those puppies up.  Now dont quote me, I failed chemistry but whenever I have used all 3 together the result is what I am always after.

So this past weekend I was up. EAAAARLY.
The boys still snug in bed.
I might have made myself some pancakes (with chocolate chips no less).
That's right, I said I made them for myself!
You might say that's selfish, I say, you shouldn't sleep in :)

This recipe does make enough for 3 good sized pancakes for 3 people.  You could make them smaller for 4 and add some bacon and eggs 'n such but when we have them we only have them.  With a side of syrup.  Maybe a few slices of banana or strawberries.
I did save a few for them when they arose but they werent warm, the butter didnt melt over the top for them like it did for me (insert evil grin here)

Enjoy

I'm Listening to: Dance Again - Jennifer Lopez ft. Pitbull

Soup, Me? Yes. Pigs Do Fly

Folks
Hell might have frozen over.
I made and ATE soup today.

I know right?  Betty Martha doesn't eat soup!
It started off well, then I got to the point where I didn't know if it was going to taste good.  I HAD to try a smidgen. (its just like gravy, its just like a sauce, its going to be good, please make it down my throat)  Man, where are my guinea pigs when I need them?!

Pretty bad gag reflexes on this gal so I was a bit concerned.  I mean, how do I serve soup to the others as I am making horrible noises in the kitchen??  Totally all in my head, I know.
Easing slowly into this was the key.  Coat the back of a spoon, smell it.  Yup, smells great!
Ok, now just stick your tongue out just a little....teeeeeny lick.
Dear god its in my mouth!
And I like it.
Wait, its good, stick the spoon in again.  Lip smacking.  Hey, this is really good!

I'm not reformed.  This is only the first go round so if you see me post more soups they HAVE to be good enough to make since I ate it.
Even Little Ugh, who inadvertently detests soup because of me enjoyed it, the Mr. BM loved it too! 
Oh, and don't tell them there was no cream in it!  Thickener?  Cannellini Beans :)

Here's what we ate:  Cauliflower, Leek and Cheddar

Enjoy!

I'm Listening to:  Take it Easy - The Eagles

Blackberry Sourdough Struesel Coffee Cake

So, I'm on this new adventure with my sourdough starter.
It started about a month ago.  I'd never had a starter before, but I've had my fair share of sourdough bread (carb freak) so I thought HEY why not!  Everyone else seemed to be doing it.
If my foodie friends jumped off a bridge however, I would take photos for them *from the ground*.

I got a simple starter recipe and placed it in a mason jar and waited my 7 days.
I dont know about you but waiting for something you already know about is torture!  I try to be patient in daily life but I'm not perfect and that is one trait I am constantly working on.  Funny story, I was so impatient that I was phoning people I knew who bake occassionally to see if they might have a starter (that I could take some from them) SEE not patient....

I made some breads, obviously.
But I wanted more.
There's got to be other things you can use this for right?
I started searching the Google.
Coffee cake?
Heck ya, why not?  People use sour cream in them right....similar maybe?

Ok, now to spruce it up a little...I had bought a can of blackberry pie filling (thats right Canadian friends, I said blackberry!) which I have NEVER seen in my parts.  Originally I was going to make tarts with it but hey, this seemed like a worthy cause.
I opted not to use a lot of it in fear that my lonely can would be wasted on an experiement.  I know now that it works and works well!  And I kick myself for only buying ONE can! 

The batter is thick, like a soft bread dough before adding the rest of your flour but dont fret it will turn out.
The end result was fabulous!  And I plan on making other variations of this in the near future!

Enjoy!
I'm Listening to: Army of Me, Bjork