Fluffy Citrus Pancakes

Posted by Gloria in Uncategorized

citrus

Prep time: 15 minutes                                 Cook time: 10 minutes

Serves: 6                                                    Calories per serving: 290

What you need: 

1/2 cup flour

1 1/2  tsp. baking powder

1/2 tsp. baking soda

1/2 tsp. orange zest

1/4 tsp. salt

3 tbsp. sugar

3/4 cup milk

1/2 cup fresh orange juice

1 cup of ricotta

4 tbsp. butter, melted and cooled

1 large egg

1/4 tsp. pure vanilla extract

Toppings (Optional) 

Maple syrup

powdered sugar

———————————————————

Putting it together: 

1.  In a large bowl combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, orange zest, salt and sugar; mix well. Set aside

2. In a separate bowl whisk together milk, orange juice, ricotta, butter, egg and vanilla; mix well

3. Make a well in the center of the flour mixture; pour the ricotta mixture into the well. Stir together gently just until combined ( batter should be lumpy) Do not overmix.

4. Coat a nonstick griddle or large nonstick saute pan with nonstick cooking spray. Place over medium heat. For each pancake, spoon 1/4 cup batter onto griddle. When bubbles appear, gently turn the pancakes, and cook until lightly browned. Transfer the pancakes onto a warmed plate. Drizzle with desired toppings and serve.

In Honor of My Grandfather

Posted by Gloria in Uncategorized

I was thinking the other day, what could I do in honor of my grandpa? You see, I never met him. He passed away before mom and dad got married as did my grandma.

Grandpa’s family had Polish Deli and Kielbasa store in Chicago. There were three stores actually. And from what I have been told they were quite well-known back then.

When my dad’s dad retired, he sold the business to my grandpa and his brother, and they ran it for many, many years. I wish I had been around, as the kielbasa they made sounds like it was delish!

In addition to having been raised in a family who’s business revolved around wonderfully delicious polish sausages, my grandpa was a baker, and my mom has told me what a wonderful baker he was. She’s described him as an artist actually.

She tells a story of when she graduated college, my grandpa baked a cake for the graduating class.  He transported it from work where he baked and decorated it home. Fortunately, it was in a box, unfortunately during his travels the spare tire in the trunk fell on it and crushed one corner.

Mom tells a story of how grandpa whipped up some buttercream, cussing the entire time. He fixed it by cutting off the end of the cake and creating a spray of flowers with this buttercream. You could never tell what damage the cake had, nor how much grandpa that day!

So, the more I think about my grandfather, I think I too will open a deli/bakery when I’m done with school. I’ll start practicing my kielbasa making now.  I’ve been told that the recipe they had never was written down, but I’ll figure it out I’m sure. And everytime I bake a cake, I’ll think of grandpa.