Challenge: Spiced Pancakes

This week, Jess challenged me to cook something that would make my house smell delicious. What a lovely task!

Cinnamon was the first ingredient that came to mind while thinking about this challenge. I love the scent of cinnamon, whether it’s from food, a candle, or an air freshener. It just seems cozy and homey. Then, I remembered that I haven’t shared my pancake makeover recipe yet, which features plenty of cinnamon. Plus, makeovers are fun!

This recipe started as a quick way to make instant pancake mix more exciting, but works just as well when starting with a basic pancake recipe. I’m sharing both options below.

Option 1: Spiced “Makeover” Pancakes with Instant Pancake Mix
Makes about 12 4-inch pancakes

Ingredients

• Prepared instant pancake mix for about 12-14 pancakes
• 2 packs of instant oatmeal (I like maple or spiced apple flavors)
• 1/3 cup toasted pecans or walnuts
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 tsp. nutmeg
• 1/2 tsp. ginger
• 1 tsp. cardamom
• 1 tsp. cinnamon
• 1 Tbsp. vanilla

Instructions

1. Prepare the instant pancake mix according to its directions, including any water, eggs, milk, etc. in a large bowl.
2. Stir in all other ingredients until combined.
3. Heat pan or griddle over medium-high. Add oil or butter to the pan and ladle in pancake batter. Cook until top of pancake has multiple bubbles popping through. Flip, and cook until golden brown. Repeat until all batter is used.
4. Serve with butter and syrup, or drizzle with flavored yogurt.

Option 2: Spiced “Makeover” Pancakes from Scratch
Makes about 12 4-inch pancakes

Ingredients

• 1 3/4 cup white flour
• 2 packs of instant oatmeal (I like maple or spiced apple flavors)
• 2 tsp. baking powder
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 tsp. nutmeg
• 1/2 tsp. ginger
• 1 tsp. cardamom
• 1 tsp. cinnamon
• 1 1/2 cup buttermilk (or sour milk: 1 1/2 cup milk + 1.5 tsp. vinegar)
• 2 Tbsp. vegetable oil
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 Tbsp. vanilla
• 1/3 cup toasted pecans or walnuts

Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients (white flour through cinnamon.)
2. In a small bowl, stir together the buttermilk, oil, egg, and vanilla.
3. Add wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined.
4. Stir in nuts.
5. Heat pan or griddle over medium-high. Add oil or butter to the pan and ladle in pancake batter. Cook until top of pancake has multiple bubbles popping through. Flip, and cook until golden brown. Repeat until all batter is used.
6. Serve with butter and syrup, or drizzle with flavored yogurt.