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I just love when we have breakfast for dinner. Probably because we're not in such a rush in the evenings and can take time to leisurely enjoy our meal and talk about our day.

Mornings are quite different because I have a chronic case of the "hurry up syndrome." You know the one I'm talking about: "Hurry up and finish your cereal." "Hurry up and grab your backpack before we're late for school." "Hurry up and brush your teeth." "Hurry up and (you fill in the blank)." My internal RPMs are ready to combust before I even walk out of the door to start the daily race with myself. Of course I always lose that race.

But I digress because I initially started out wanting to share my super easy recipe for a basic pancake mix that is much better than a box mix. So here it is. Now, hurry up and eat 'em!

BASIC PANCAKE MIX

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tbsp. sugar
2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. salt
2 eggs, lightly beaten
1 tsp. vanilla (or any other flavored extract)
2 tbsp. canola oil
1 to 1 1/2 cups milk

In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until thoroughly blended. Add the eggs, vanilla, and oil. Slowly add the milk and start mixing with the other ingredients. When the batter reaches the desired consistency (will still have lumps), it's ready to be ladled on a hot griddle or frying pan. Flip the pancakes over when the batter starts to bubble on top. Both sides should be cooked to a golden brown over medium heat.

Timesaver Tip: Mix up the dry ingredients in advance and keep in refrigerator until ready to use.

Variations: Get creative and add 1/2 cup of miniature chocolate chips, dried cranberries, raisins, sliced bananas, chopped apples, berries, walnuts, or pecans. You can also jazz up pancakes with food coloring and flavored extracts.

Pancake Toppings: Warm maple syrup is always yummy, but different toppings are nice for a change of taste. Spread your favorite jam or preserves on top or try one of these quick and easy toppings:

Blueberries and yogurt: Mix together 1/2 cup yogurt, 1 cup blueberries (or other berries of choice), and 2 tbsp. of maple syrup or honey.

Flavored pineapple: Combine 1/4 cup crushed pineapple, 1 tsp. vanilla and 1/2 tsp. cinnamon.

Peanut butter and apple: Soften 1/2 cup peanut butter in the microwave and thin with 1-2 tbsp. of apple juice.

Honey-pecan butter: Beat 1/2 cup softened butter or margarine until fluffy. Add 1/4 cup honey and 1/3 cup chopped pecans.

Pumpkin butter: Beat 1 cup softened butter or margarine with 1/4 cup brown sugar (firmly packed), 1 tsp. pumpkin-pie spice, and 1/4 cup whipping cream.

Bon appetit!

Learn more about this author, Charlene Davis.
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