I haven't worked since Thursday; I decided to take a little mini-vacation to do absolutely nothing. Let me tell you, I feel great. I'm really glad both Aaron and myself are off today as the snow is coming down and we can enjoy a gorgeous winter's day together.
I know I have spoken of my favorite cookbook several times here before but, I can't even begin tell you how amazing it is. I have yet to find a recipe I didn't love. I even bought a few of the books to give away for Christmas. So far, I know my mother loves it almost as much as I do. If you haven't checked out The Amish Cook at Home: Simple Pleasures of Food, Family and Faith, you need to! It's amazing. (As is everything Amish. I am so taken by the Amish culture. Aaron has promised to bring me to Pennsylvania this summer so I can learn more about these endearing people.) Alas, I digress.
I woke up to the most delicious smell early this morning. As I slipped out of bed and into my robe I ventured downstairs to find Aaron preparing delicious pancakes. "These are real pancakes," he said "from your Amish book." My-oh-my were they dense and delicious. I will admit, I'm more of a frenchtoast girl, but these were some of the best pancakes I've ever had.
Here is the recipe:
- 2 C all-purpose flour
- 1T + 1/2 t baking powder
- 1/2 t salt
- 1 + 1/3 C Milk
- 2 T vegetable oil (plus more for cooking)
- 1 t vanilla extract
- 1 egg, beaten
Combine the flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl- stir with whisk to blend. In another bowl, whisk the milk, oil, vanilla and egg together. Stir all the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined; DO NOT OVERMIX. Put in an oiled pan (we use cast-iron). Cook until golden on each side. Top with maple butter or maple syrup. Mmmmmmm.
**NOTE**
Many times I'll come across a really great product. I've decided, from time to time, I'll share something from my kitchen on Menu Monday's post. I don't necessarily promise I'll do this every week, but sometimes there are things that I just want to spread the word about and I'll call them my "shameless plugs."
Here is a shameless plug for a tea that I recently found at a whole foods store.
Check this website about the healing benefits of this amazing tea. It's known as "the elixir of life" and throughout India, Tulsi is revered as a sacred plant infused with healing powers. Tulsi is an adaptogenic herb which helps your body relieve the negative effects of stress (sign me up, LOL.) It comes in a ton of flavors, I don't find it to be too expensive, and it's caffeine-free which means it's the perfect night-time drink (think: bath + book + pajamas + tea = ahhhhhhh) I prefer the honey chamomile because of chamomile's relaxing properties and I always add a little bit of soy milk.
What I really love about this tea (aside from it being organic, its packaging made from 100% recycled material, and the tea bags made from unbleached-biodegradable material) is what Organic India supports. Read this article about the teas to find out how it supports local farming in India and how Organic India has pledged $.25 of every sale (in 2009) to help prevent over 500,000 children from going blind.
Hey, while you're visiting the site, check them out, there may be other ways you can help :)
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