It is a simple world I live in.
Markets on Sunday. Fresh eggs and milk from the farm. Sundays for lazy brunches. Sundays for kickstarting workout routine. Saturdays when I wake up without an alarm, and yet, early. Saturdays of leisurely dinners with friends. Saturdays of drinks much cherished. Fridays to celebrate the end of the week. Fridays when coffee flows into wine. Fridays when eyes shine bright with possibilities. Rest of the days in the week to be, well, whatever.
Wish that were all true! It isn't or but that doesn't stop me from reaching for that ideal every time. Ha! Eternal optimist. :)
Nevertheless, once in a while I do manage near utopia. For brief spans of time, I manage to transport myself into a world of bliss that bursts into vibrancy inside. It is not anything fancy. Just simple stuff that makes you disproportionately happy.
Like pancakes.
I have never been a pancake fan. I find the American pancakes too sweet and you'll never find me at the likes of Clinton St. Baking Co. Besides, what's with the syrup?! Real maple syrup I get. It has a little caramel-y nutty flavor that reminds you of everything grandma and comfort. But flavored stuff?! Anyway, so, pancakes are not something that are usually on my wish list.
But, you see. The internet of things. Pinterest and the likes squirmed their way into my head with those stunning stacks and dripping wetness. I wanted some of that action for me too. Also, only on my terms please.
Not too sweet.
No maple syrup, because the real real deal is too expensive and I don't use it much. And, the big thing. No wheat. I am allergic to something in the grain. One day, I decided, what the heck?! Let's do oats and some almonds. Score! Nutty, fluffy beds with some pecans and pears for sweetness. And, honey. Runny, smooth, honey...
Oh yes! Give me more, honey!
Then, eggs.
Poached, not fried. Runny yolk oozing down the stack of fluffiness. Oh Yeah! The action is all there!
I was disproportionately happy!
That's it. Bliss. I say, go on make it yours. This weekend! :)
Oat and Almond Pear Pancakes with Pecans
I use a homemade flour blend using 2 cups thick rolled oats and 1/2 cup almonds ground into a fine flour. The natural sweetness of both flours makes this a winning combination for sweet creations requiring little (or no) added sugar.
These pancakes are not meant to be sweet. The honey or syrup will do that lightly. These are meant to add just that contrast of sweetness against the savory of eggs.
2/3 cup oat and almond flour mix
1/3 cup potato starch
1 egg
1 T sugar {optional; I used none}
scant 1/3 cup whole milk
1/2 pear cut in small chunks
handful of pecans , coarse crushed
salted butter as needed to grease the pan
Whisk the flour, starch, egg, sugar (if using) and milk into a smooth mixture.
Let it sit for 10 minutes and then fold in the pear pieces.
Heat and ready the frying pan. Drop a dollop of butter and as it melts pour a 1/3 cup of batter. Top with a sprinkle of crushed pecans.
Over medium-low heat let that side cook until bubbles form and break on the surface.
Flip it over and cook for a few seconds to finish.
Serve sweetened with honey and topped with poached eggs.
