MINI GERMAN PANCAKES

Because of our schedules, breakfast at our house is usually "fix your own". 

MacDaddy is an early riser. He loves to get going in the morning...watching his business shows, catching up with the world...reading the WSJ.  I love to stay up late...no noise...no distractions...and paint into the wee hours. Then I sleep late. With this kind of "schedule", breakfast is a "make your own" affair.

But sometimes, I wake up early with the urge to make something different...something special. And that was the case this morning.

I found an interesting recipe on Pinterest...and AllRecipes.com

Mini German Pancakes. 

The recipe is quite basic, but the photo drew my attention. So this morning....I prepared them. And I am so glad I did. They're delicious!

The batter is rather "eggy"...just as it should be. And they all puffed up just like they perfectly!  I made them in the Demarle at Home Muffin Flexipan...No oils, butter, or sprays are needed in these pans. (The new Popover Flexipan would work with this recipe, too.)

To serve...I made a fresh berry compote, using fresh blueberries and strawberries...and no sugar!

Here's the recipe:

Mini German Pancakes

1 cup milk
6 eggs
1 cup flour
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. vanilla
1 tsp. grated orange zest (this is optional, but it tastes great!)
1/4 cup melted butter

1.  Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. In a blender, combing milk, eggs, flour, salt, vanilla and orange zest. (Make sure there are no flour clumps!)

2.  Blend in butter, a little at a time.

3.  Fill the Demarle at Home muffin cups a little less than half full. (If using conventional muffin pans, grease them!) You should get 18-24 cups.

4.  Bake for 15 minutes, or until the pancakes are puffy and golden on top (edges should be slightly browned).

5. Serve with your favorite toppings.

Fresh Berry Compote

2 cups fresh blueberries and strawberries. (I mixed a pint of        blueberries with 3 large, chopped strawberries)
2 Tbsp. water
1 Tbsp. butter
1 tsp. cornstarch
(If desired, you can add 2 Tbsp sugar. I did not.)

While the pancakes are baking:
In a medium saucepan, place all ingredients and bring to a boil for about 3 minutes. Stir occasionally, to keep from burning and sticking. Simmer 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened. Spoon into the wells of the pancake. Dust with powdered sugar, if desired.

YUM!

YUM YUM CINNA-BUNS!

DON'T THESE ROLLS LOOK DELICIOUS???

Would you believe they were made with just a few simple ingredients? And all the rising was done OVERNIGHT in the oven?

But first...and I believe foremost...it starts with the perfect baking pan...the Demarle at Home Large Round Flexipan.

Now I know I talk about the Demarle products a lot...but they have streamlined my cooking life. And that's something to SHOUT about!!!

You know how much I hate cleaning up after a meal...

Well, with this pan (even with sticky, gooey cinnamon rolls) clean-up took about a minute! Yep...that's right! The rolls popped right out and all it took to clean the pan was a little hot soapy water, a quick rinse and shake to dry...and voila'...IT'S CLEAN.

Talk about EASY!!!

OK...enough about my pan....

 These cinnamon rolls are super easy to prepare...and you use FROZEN BREAD DOUGH!

 Place about 16 frozen rolls in the bottom of your pan. (If you are using Demarle, you do not need to grease/oil/spray the pan. If you are using conventional bakeware, PREPARE YOUR PAN.)

Sprinkle the rolls with about 3/4 cup brown sugar. Sprinkle several good shakes of cinnamon on top. (I use a lot, because we LOVE cinnamon...plus it's really good for you. Gotta have something "healthy" in this dish!) Then pour 1/2 cup butter (melted) over the top of the rolls/sugar. If desired, sprinkle with pecans. (You can use walnuts, but, hey, I'm southern. We live on pecans!)

Place the round mold on a Demarle perforated baking tray (you can use a regular baking sheet, if you don't have the holey kind) and cover the rolls with plastic wrap OR with an octagonal Silpat.

Put in a cold oven, overnight.

In the morning, open your oven and remove the tray with the rolls. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Then remove the plastic wrap/Silpat.

When the oven is ready, place the tray with the rolls back into the oven and bake for about 30 minutes.

This is what you get!

Let the pan of rolls sit for a couple of minutes, then invert onto a serving plate.

The round Flexipan slides right off... (I don't know how easy the conventional pans will do. I don't use them anymore!)

This is the cleanup! All I need to do is wash the Flexipan in some hot, soapy water, and shake it to dry it. (This is MY kind of cleanup!!!)

All you need to do now is pour yourself a cup of coffee and enjoy...

For a variation...You can use butterscotch pudding (the cook and serve kind), 1/2 cup brown sugar and 1 stick of butter (melted)...This is more like the traditional Monkey Bread.
or
If you wish, melt the butter in a saucepan, add the brown sugar, cinnamon, and, if desired, a little white sugar to the pan. Stir until melted. Dip the frozen bread dough into the butter mixture (USE TONGS! This mixture is HOT!!!), then place in the baking pan. Pour the remaining butter mixture over the rolls, cover and follow the rest of the directions.

This afternoon we're testing this technique with MINCED GARLIC and BUTTER!!! 
I can already smell it.....Ahhhhhhhh.

Enjoy!
Jane

I am linking up with Foodie Friday

PARMESAN HASH BROWNS and BUTTERMILK BLUEBERRY BREAKFAST CAKE

Yesterday, I posted photos (on Facebook) of two more delicious dishes I made in my Demarle at Home FLEXIPANS...and I have had requests for these recipes over and over again... Since it's easier to share the recipes through my blog... here goes!

Parmesan Hash Brown Cups

By Monica  http://www.theyummylife.com            Servings: makes 12
(The original recipe has been modified to use in Demarle at Home Flexipans)

Ingredients

·         1 (20 oz) bag Simply Potatoes Shredded Hash Browns; OR 3-1/2 cups shredded russet potatoes, rinsed and squeezed dry in a towel

·         3 green onions, chopped (approx. 1/3 cup), both white and green parts (I used 2)

·         1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

·         1 teaspoon kosher salt

·         1/2 teaspoon black pepper

·         2 tablespoon olive oil

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place the Muffin Flexipan on the medium perforated baking sheet and set aside. In large bowl, combine potatoes, onions, cheese, salt, and pepper. Toss lightly with a fork. Drizzle on olive oil. Toss with fork again until mixture is well combined. Spoon mixture evenly into 12 muffin cups. With the back of the spoon, apply gentle pressure to pack mixture into each cup. Bake for 60-75 minutes in lower third of oven. Let rest for 5 minutes. The potato cups should pop right out of the flexipan, but if needed, gently press the bottom of the muffin flexipan to release each potato cup out and place on serving plate. (The recipe suggests inverting the potato cup, serving it bottom side up, but there was no difference in the top or bottom. Both were perfectly browned . Good served warm or room temperature.

MAKE AHEAD FOR COOKING LATER: Combine mixture, spoon it into muffin flexipan, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate until ready to bake. Remove from fridge 30 minutes before baking time. May be made the night before to cook and serve for breakfast the next day.

MAKE AND COOK AHEAD FOR REHEATING LATER: These are best when eaten freshly baked. However, they can be baked ahead of time, refrigerated or frozen, and reheated before serving. They lose some of their crispiness when reheated, but the texture and taste is still good.

FOR BITE-SIZE TATER TOTS - make them in mini muffin pans. 

SERVING SIZE = 1-2 hash brown cups per person

BUTTERMILK BLUEBERRY BREAKFAST CAKE

(MacDaddy REALLY loved this! Light texture, full of fresh blueberries, and not too sweet!)

Buttermilk Blueberry Breakfast Cake

http://www.alexandracooks.com/2011/06/29/buttermilk-blueberry-breakfast-cake/

Recipe modified to use in a Demarle at Home Flexipan

Serves 6-8

½ cup unsalted butter, room temperature

2 tsp. lemon zest or more — zest from 1 large lemon

7/8 cup* 

1 egg, room temperature

1 tsp. vanilla

2 cups flour

2 tsp. baking powder

1 tsp. kosher salt

2 cups fresh blueberries

½ cup buttermilk

2 Tbsp. sugar for sprinkling on top of cake

* 7/8 cup = 3/4 cup + 2 tablespoons

1. Preheat the oven to 350ºF. Cream butter with lemon zest and 7/8 cup of the sugar until light and fluffy.

2. Add the egg and vanilla and beat until combined. Meanwhile, toss the blueberries with ¼ cup of flour, then whisk together the remaining flour, baking powder and salt.

3. Add the flour mixture to the batter a little at a time, alternating with the buttermilk. Fold in the blueberries.

4. Place a Demarle at Home Flexi-pan on the Medium Perforated Baking Sheet. DO NOT USE OIL, BUTTER, NON-STICK SPRAY!!! Spread batter into pan.  Bake for 35 minutes. Check with a toothpick for doneness. If necessary, return pan to oven for a couple of more minutes. (Note: Baking for as long as 10 minutes more might be necessary.) Let cool at least 15 minutes before unmolding the cake onto a serving plate. Sprinkle the cake with the remaining sugar.

***I found both of these recipes on Pinterest and modified them to use in Demarle at Home Flexipans...Both dishes come out cleanly from the molds/pans. Cleanup is just a quick soap and water wash. These Flexis make cooking healthier and EVERYDAY EASY!!! If you would like to know more about these pans, please email me.

Enjoy!
Jane

I am linking up with Foodie Friday!

PIZZA!!!

I am obsessed with PIZZA!  all kinds!!!

Maybe it's because I am always asked for simple pizza recipes at my cooking classes. Maybe it's because they are so EASY and QUICK to make. Maybe it's because they are a great way to used up leftovers.
(Ever tried a leftover Piccadillo with green olives, topped with sharp cheddar cheese pizza? Amazing!)

Whatever the reason... I am making pizzas all the time. And my husband LOVES it!!!

When in a hurry, I use prepared dough from the store...my Publix has balls of pizza dough in the bakery case (or in the freezer...just ask). And...if I'm in a REAL hurry, I'll succumb to using a Pillsbury crust in a can. (It's not too bad...especially if you doctor it up a bit).

Most recently, I was asked to prepare a BREAKFAST PIZZA for one of my cooking classes. This was  a new concept for me....leftover pizza was my idea of a breakfast pizza! So after a little experimenting (YUM!), this is the pizza we made...

Using the Flexipat*** and a Perforated Baking Tray, we used a Pillsbury Pizza crust (the LONG can) for expediency...then topped it with diced ham, chopped spinach, diced tomatoes and green onions. Then we scrambled 5 eggs in a bowl, and poured it over the unbaked crust and toppings. Finally, we topped the whole pizza with freshly grated mozzarella cheese. The pizza baked in a 375 degree oven for about 15 minutes, until the crust was lightly toasted on the sides. After resting a few minutes, it slid right out of the Flexipat, onto a cutting board. (NEVER use sharp items with Flexis or Silpats!)

THE LADIES LOVED IT!!!

Other topping ideas to try...
      Jimmy Dean precooked sausage, sharp cheddar cheese, and eggs*
      Crumbled bacon and cheddar cheese, eggs*
      Chopped fresh spinach, sliced tomatoes, fresh mushrooms, cheese (Swiss is good), eggs*

*For this size pizza, 5 "scrambled" eggs should be enough.
*** We chose to use the Flexipat due to the runny egg mixture. Pizza can also be made directly on a Silpat.

This is definitely an EVERYDAY EASY meal for your family! 

Breakfast...Lunch....or Dinner

M is for MUFFINS

There is nothing MacDaddy and I love more than muffins for breakfast. They're quick, easy, and delicious!
This time of year, with all the fresh blueberries available, I make LOTS of blueberry muffins.


My absolute favorite, versatile muffin recipe is straight from the old red-checked Better Homes and Gardens cookbook I received as a wedding present in 1976. The muffins are crumbly, slightly dry, not too sweet, and have lots of crannies just waiting to hold melting butter....the way muffins are supposed to be!  Mmmmmm......


Using this recipe, I make not only fresh blueberry muffins, but date-pecan muffins, apple muffins, cinnamon-struesel muffins, and more...


Jane's Favorite Muffins


1 3/4 cup sifted all purpose flour
2 tablespoons sugar
2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
3/4 teaspoons salt
1 egg
3/4 cup milk
1/3 cup oil (I use "Best Blend" or vegetable oil)


Sift dry ingredients and put into a medium bowl. Add slightly beaten egg, milk and oil. Gently stir until ingredients are moistened. (DO NOT OVERWORK THE BATTER). Gently fold in desired fruits or nuts*. Spoon into prepared muffin tins and bake for 20-25 minutes at 400 degrees. Yield 1 dozen standard-sized muffins or 3 dozen mini-muffins (reduce the baking time for the minis) .


*For Blueberry Muffins:
    Fold in 1 cup or more fresh blueberries (I use almost a whole pint. I LOVE blueberries!!!)


*For Date-Pecan Muffins:
    Fold in chopped dates...about a cup (or more if desired) and chopped pecans...about 1/2 -3/4 cup. (I use the Dole Chopped Dates, found with the dried fruits at your grocery store)

To complete our breakfast, we often add a bowl of fresh fruit with Greek yogurt, a cool beverage, coffee, and the Wall Street Journal. And of course, sitting poolside makes a simple meal, an experience!
Enjoy...
Jane


I am linking with Foodie Friday at Designs by Gollum. Be sure to stop by to check out the wonderful recipes there.

Mmmmmmm......

Mmmmmmmm......

That was the sound made by Music Guy (MG) this morning as he looked at his breakfast...

Cinnamon French Toast with Bananas and Applewood Smoked Bacon.

There is no "recipe" for this French toast.... I just scramble 6 eggs in a flat-bottomed dish, and added about 1/2 -3/4 cup of half and half, lots of Saigon cinnamon and a couple of dashes of pure vanilla extract. The big "SECRET" is the bread. Fresh Market makes a cinnamon raisin bread that is perfect for French toast. I buy the unsliced bread and cut it into thick slices. The texture of the bread soaks up the egg mixture perfectly. Griddle up these slices in a non-stick, DRY pan (I hate greasy, oily French toast!). Top with butter or Olivio and maple syrup. Add bananas...or strawberries, blueberries, etc...or a mixture of all three and enjoy. If you really need additional sweetness, you can sprinkle with powdered sugar.

What a way to start the day.... and it's quick and easy!
Jane