Sunday, July 17, 2016

Sunday Morning Pancakes



I have long been on the search for the perfect pancake.  I wanted a light and fluffy pancake with great flavor and some height.  One would not think this was much to ask, but considering most restaurant breakfasts feature gummy, wet and flat versions, I figured it might take a while.  If they do it like it's their job (which it is) using a commercial griddle and still can't make a good pancake, me in my  unprofessional grade kitchen might be screwed.  And screwed I was.  I have made pancakes upon pancakes, upon pancakes.  I have tried Amish recipes (I always go there first because I figure if anyone can do something right it's the Amish... not true... they don't make good pancakes either.) I have separated eggs and whipped egg whites, I have even made sourdough pancakes (the worst of the bunch AND the most work).
So when I sat down to look for yet another pancake recipe, I didn't hold much hope.  I can across a recipe that made enough pancakes to feed an army and seemed to have less liquid than most other recipes.  I thought at least maybe these would not spread as thin so maybe it would be a good start.  I reduced the recipe to a third of it's size and adjusted the measurements ( I am NOT measuring 3/4 c. plus 2 Tbsp. of flour---that became 1 even cup) and made a batch up.  Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine that I had actually found the pancake of my dreams.  Tall and tender with a light and airy center AND since they use only buttermilk, they have a yummy, rich flavor.
So, if you have long been searching for the perfect pancake, rest easy, the quest is over!





Sunday Morning Pancakes
Ingredients:
1 c. flour
1 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. baking soda
pinch salt
1-1/2 Tbsp. sugar
1 c. buttermilk
1 egg
1 Tbsp. melted butter
Directions:
Mix together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and sugar in a large bowl.
Mix together remaining ingredients (I do this in a glass measuring cup starting with the buttermilk).
Pre-heat griddle to 300 degrees or heat skillet over medium heat.
When pan is hot, gently fold wet ingredients into dry being careful not to over mix, but being sure no large flour pockets remain.
Drop onto heated griddle or pan and cook until lightly browned and top looks dry.  Flip and brown on other side.
***This recipe will make 8-5" pancakes.  IF you want more DO NOT double the recipe, make it twice.  The chemical reaction that causes these pancakes to be so airy is very short lived.  If the batter sits too long, you will end up with gummy, flat pancakes.





She Was Number One

Can you guess which of my blog posts gets the most attention?  It's not a competition.  The winning post, gets the most looks by a long shot.
It is my post about re-sealing our first camper.  In case you don't remember, here it is.
I kinda think it's because of my husband's super sexy hands in one of the shots (Any of you other ladies have a thing for a man with nice hands?).
I feel a little bad about that being such a popular post because as some of you know, we bought a new RV and have tucked our first girl away in a storage lot.  Unfortunately, in addition to being a little small for our growing family, she was pretty neglected by her previous owner and fixing her was going to take more than just a simple resealing. 
The windows had leaked to the point the wallboard was crumbling which meant not only did they need to be removed and resealed, but the inner wall surfaces needed removed and replaced.  Once that started, chances were the insulation would also have to be replaced along with who knows what else.
It didn't seem right to sell her even knowing we would disclose what all was wrong.  Most people who buy campers don't really get what all can and does go wrong with them.  We certainly didn't.
So, she sat in a lot in a neighboring town just waiting for us to decide what in the heck to do with her.
Until know.
Our new house has the perfect spot for her to sit and hang out while I convince my husband to go along with my plan for her.
I want her to be a 'she-shed'.  It would be perfect.  She could have a bed and a kitchenette, making her a great guest house, and I a desk that overlooks the pond at the back of our property would make her a perfect get away for me when I need some peace and quiet to write my sexy time books...  I mean romance novels.
Cross your fingers I can talk him into it.  I think making a she-shed would be a great thing to share with you guys!

Friday, July 15, 2016

While I Was Away

So, I've told you why I'm back (mostly) and now I feel the need to explain what went on while I was gone.
First, I redid my current house.  Now I realize a good and friendly blogger would have taken pictures of all of the projects and shared it with you.
Sorry. 
My bad.
I promise to do better next time.  Like, on the next house.

In a couple days I will share the pictures of our current home and give you the basics of our projects.  It made a huge difference when it came to selling.  All our custom touches helped us sell to the second people who looked at it, in under a day, for full price.  See, Pinterest isn't a waste of time after all.

Back to what else I did while on hiatus.  I wrote a book.  Or two.  Or three.



I'm not set on the cover for Regret, but it's okay for now.  RUN was released on April 15, 2016.  Out Bad came out TODAY!  Regret is set for release on October 14, 2016.  I will put links at the end of this post in case you're interested.
I think writing basically falls into the category of making things.  We all know I like to make stuff, and this is just an extension of that.
So, now you know what all I've been up to and I promise to keep you more in the loop from now on.



Monday, July 11, 2016

On the Move

Before I get to why I've been gone for so long, I thought I would tell you why I'm back. 
First, the savages are older and I'm a little less overwhelmed (most of the time).  The big one is six and the smaller, but ornerier one is three.  Now, they can handle themselves a little more and I have a little more free time.
The second, and biggest, reason is our family is on the move.  We've been searching for our next home for almost two years and we finally, finally found it.  But...
It's not real pretty.
The potential is there, but...
If 1994 called and wanted all their stuff back, I'd be screwed.
So, prepare for lots of home renovation and decorating stuff.
Did I mention it's on six acres?
Get ready to watch me figure out how to keep chickens.  I'm pretty sure most of you will stay tuned simply to watch how that works out for me.  I get it.

Friday, July 8, 2016

So, I suck.

I flaked.

Not really, I swear.  I just was really focused on a different sort of project, but.....

I think I'm back, but on a less strenuous schedule.

I put a lot of pressure on myself to blog here on a regular basis.  A VERY regular basis and it just got a little overwhelming, so...

I flaked.

I'm sorry.

I will make it up to you.  I promise.

Over the next few days, if you still love me and forgive my lapse, I will fill you in on what's going on and what is in store for The Modern Housewife.

It's exciting. 

I promise.  I know, promises, promises.