When I was younger I didn’t really like pancakes. I know, I know, it’s a little weird but over the years I’ve learned to enjoy them, as they really are just the vehicle for the topping. To this day I don’t like maple syrup, which I think is why I didn’t like pancakes (as that’s what people typically put on their pancakes). Now I put peanut butter and jam on them, and it makes a huge difference.

I do like that pancakes are versatile, you can throw in just about anything to the batter. Apple sauce, pumpkin spice, chocolate chips, the list is endless. But you do need a base recipe, somewhere to start, like this one!

E and I made pancakes the other day. He loves mixing so I decided we could have them for lunch. It was a bit of a disaster, C had just vacuumed and ended up having to do the kitchen again. It was mostly the Rice Krispies that I had given E after he was done mixing and needed something else to do. I won’t lie I was pretty frustrated with him (he was taking literal handfuls of Rice Krispies and throwing them like confetti). I’m still finding Rice Krispies on the floor. Kids right?

Anyways the pancakes turned out. I didn’t add anything special to them this time. I did attempt to make shapes with cookie cutters and managed a stocking and a bloated candy cane when I realized that was way too finicky while trying to supervise a confetti throwing toddler and wash dishes. So back to plain and simple, somewhat circular pancakes.

All in all it worked out. Lunch wasn’t late, the kitchen got cleaned and E was happy he got to do some mixing. Pancakes are a good recipe to do with kids. You just need a wooden spoon and if they’re a little lumpy, oh well. You’re making memories as well as pancakes!

This recipe is that plain and simple recipe to get you started. Add things to change up the flavour if you want something different. Or keep it as the original and slather it in, maple syrup (if that’s what you like)! Hopefully you can make some memories and maybe a mess while you are at it!

Plain and Simple Pancakes

• 1 1/2 cups flour (white or whole wheat)
• 1 TBSP sugar
• 1 TBSP baking powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1 1/4 cup milk
• 1 egg
• Splash of vanilla
• 3 TBSP melted coconut oil (or butter)

Directions

1. Mix dry ingredients. Then add wet ingredients and mix until combined.
2. Set your pan to medium/low heat, add butter to pan and let it melt. Use a 1/4 cup measure to spoon batter into pan. Let pancakes cook until they are bubbling on top and then flip. Cook for another minute or until the pancakes are done and remove to a plate.
3. Continue until batter is gone. Enjoy!