Best. Pancakes. Ever.

A few years ago I heard Oprah say that she had a fundamental belief that televisions should not be in the bedroom--so I took mine out and tried to live with it like that for awhile.  I figured if Oprah said it was a good idea, it had to be.  I mean, it's OPRAH after all.

I hated every second of the television free bedroom and we put the television back in.  

Since this little experience, I've challenged myself to see discover what fundamental beliefs I have around our house.  

I totally have one in the kitchen.  I have a fundamental belief that you should never eat anything pre-mixed, or boxed.  Never. Ever. Ever.  I mean it.

Why?  Well, a few reasons.  1) It's unhealthy; 2) It's processed and includes things you don't need; 3) It's much more expensive; 4) It doesn't save much time.  Honestly, my list could go on.  Bottom line is: we don't do boxed ANYTHING.  Ever.  

One of The Boss' favorite things is pancakes.  When I say he loves them, I mean, he L.O.V.E, loves them.  Given my fundamental belief that nothing should ever come in a box--I have forbidden the pancake mixes to be brought into our home and I've been on an almost-weekly-attempt to fine-tune my pancake recipe.  Newsflash: I HAVE DONE IT!  Bisquick has nothing on me now.  

Seriously, this mornings pancakes were tadiefor.  Here's the recipe-enjoy.

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

3 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon salt

1 tablespoon white sugar

1 egg

1 1/4 cup whole milk

4 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)

Directions:

In a large bowl, sift together the dry ingredients.  Make a well in the center and pour in the milk and egg.  Mix.  Add the melted butter and stir until smooth.

Heat a oiled griddle (cast iron is best) and scoop the batter on the griddle.  Flip when bubbles start to form.  

Tortilla Pizza Poppers

Happy 4th of July!  It's bazillion degrees out and the Thompsons are enjoying a day of rest and relaxation.  We tried to hold off on the grub-eating until the BBQ hour--but holding out all day is hard--we were STARVING.  We wanted something tasty and easy--enter, Tortilla Pizza Poppers.

They were the perfect hold-us-over until grill time; and with such success on this little idea; they'll certainly make their way into a party menu soon! 

Tortilla Pizza Poppers

Tortilla Pizza Poppers

Ingredients:

Soft tortilla (or burrito) shells

Pepperoni 

Pizza/Pasta sauce

Mozzarella cheese 

Fresh basil-finely chopped

Salt & Pepper to taste

Directions:

Pre-heat your oven to 350 degrees.  Using a regular-size muffin pan, lightly coat it with nonstick spray. You're going to stuff the tortilla shells into these--so you want them to slide out easily.  Lay the tortilla shell on the counter--using a large cup/bowl (with the lip a little larger than the size of the muffin tin hole) and use it to cut out circles.  I found just laying it on top the shell, applying pressure, and rocking it back and forth a few times worked.  I managed 2 circles per tortilla shell.

Once you have the tortilla shells cut, place them in the muffin tins--one per hole.  Put about 1-2 Tbs. of pasta sauce in each muffin slot.  (I use one, this depends on your taste!)  Layer 1-2 pepperoni's per muffin, and top with cheese, finely chopped fresh basil and salt/pepper. 

Place in oven and bake for approximately 20 minutes--or until cheese is melted, slightly golden and edges are starting to crisp/brown.

Remove from oven and let sit for 5 minutes.  Gently slide out with spoon--and enjoy! 

The Boss loved these, as did I--and they've held us over until the grill heats up.  YA!