Blueberry Banana Pancakes

This weekend, when we were down the shore, I came into the kitchen one morning to find my mom making Blueberry Pancakes.  And the kids eagerly waiting for them.  But my kids don’t eat Blueberry Pancakes.  Nor chocolate ones.  Nor apple ones.  Not even pancakes studded with pecans or plain ones.  They will only eat Banana Pancakes.  Or so I’ve been led to believe.

They both plowed through the pancakes, Nick barely coming up for air, and only then to request more pancakes and sausages.  So tonight, when we decided to have breakfast for dinner (or at least the kids did), I decided to take a chance and make Blueberry Banana Pancakes.  I held my breath.  And they ate them. The most important thing about all this?  It reinforces the fact that you need to introduce a child (or heck, even an adult sometimes) to a new item a couple of times.  If they don’t like it the first time, wait a few months and try again.  Whether it’s with pancakes or your favorite green vegetable.  Tastes change.  Interests change.  Mood changes.  It’s because of this very fact that Nick discovered his love for artichokes.  And now we can add Blueberry Pancakes to the mix.  And these pancakes?  It was all I could do to not steal a bite.  I restrained myself, but man, it was brutal.

And speaking of my mom, happy birthday!  She was born in Paris on Bastille Day, growing up to fireworks going off on her birthday every year.  Seems like a wonderful birthday tradition to me.

Project 365
July 14, 2010, Photo #127

Madeline loves to cook. Whether it be in my kitchen, or her play one. Just like Nick. The kitchen she’s been using was Nick’s when he was 4. To say it’s gotten a lot of use over the last four years would be an understatement. A few months ago, I left the kitchen out for the garbage. It was really done. It was the beginning of garage sale season, and I was hoping to find her a replacement. I put the kitchen out on the curb, facing the house, on a weekend when the kids were with The Ex. I didn’t think she’d notice. It was, of course, the first thing she mentioned when she walked in the door. I promised I would be getting her another one. Several times a week, she tells me she’s going to go cook. I usually say ok, and ask what she’s going to make me, and she always replies with these huge brown eyes and says “can’t cook. no kitchen.” You know that kills me. Today I finally made good. I went to the consignment store today to drop off a few bags of clothes, and spied this little grilling kitchen. It’s smaller than the one she had, but perfect for the space, and was put to use within hours of it being brought home. Phew!

P.S. Talking about Madeline and her playing in the kitchen, reminded me of this video.  I can’t believe that was nearly two years ago!  She looks so completely different, but that devilish grin is still very present.

Blueberry Banana Pancakes
Recipe courtesy of Cate O’Malley

1 cup all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon white sugar
1 tablespoon brown sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 egg, beaten
1 cup milk
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 ripe banana, mashed
1/2 cup blueberries

Combine all ingredients in bowl, except the blueberries. Once mixed, fold in the blueberries. The batter will be slightly lumpy. Heat a lightly oiled griddle or frying pan over medium high heat. Pour or scoop the batter onto the griddle, using approximately 1/4 cup for each pancake. Cook until pancakes are golden brown on both sides; serve hot. Makes approximately 8 pancakes.