Potato Doughnuts

When my brother, sister and I were in elementary school, our mom would come to each of our classrooms and make doughnuts for our class.  She brought the dough already prepared and she would heat up her wok.  She would cut the doughnuts out in front of the class and we would watch them fry.  Each time she came, the smell of her doughnuts would fill the school and it must have been torture to everyone else who had to smell them but not get to eat one!  I also remember her frying hundreds of doughnuts at  church Halloween parties, school fundraisers, and at our house for special guests.  She would only make this recipe in the fall, so when I feel the weather begin to change from summer to fall, it's like there is a force greater than myself forcing me to pull out the Potato Doughnut recipe and get frying.  It's just in my blood now.

1/3 cup shortening
1 cup sugar
1 tsp vanilla

Cream together in mixer.

2 eggs
3/4 cup cold mashed potatoes
3/4 cup milk

Then add eggs and potatoes.  (I usually use instant potatoes, but if you have a couple of leftover baked potatoes, that works well too.  If I mash my own potatoes, I prefer to keep some little lumps in the potatoes.)  Then add milk and mix.

3 3/4 cups flour
4 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
1 tsp nutmeg

Add all dry ingredients at once and mix until well combined.
Chill dough for at least an hour.

Prepare oil:  My mom always used her large electric wok and a whole can of Crisco.  It will take about 10-12 minutes to get the oil hot enough, so get it going before you start rolling out the dough.  I recently used a dutch oven to fry them in and it also worked great.  I used vegetable oil and filled it about 3/4 full and it was fine, I could only do about 5 at a time though.  With the wok you can do several more at once.

Prepare dough:  Roll out dough but not too thin (thin dough makes a crunchy yucky doughnut!), maybe 1/2-3/4 inch thick.  Cut with a doughnut cutter (a biscuit cutter with a circle in the middle.)  Place cut doughnuts on a lightly floured pan to let rest for just a few minutes.  While they are rising, use a sharp knife and make several small slits around the circle.  This will give them a great texture when they fry.

(In this picture, you see the side of the doughnuts that didn't have the slits.)

Test the oil to see if it is hot enough by placing a doughnut hole in it.  It should sink to the bottom and be covered with bubbles and then pretty quickly come up to the top covered in little bubbles.  When the oil is hot enough, gently slide a few doughnuts into the oil.  Depending on your heat (which I would say should be med to med-high), it will take about 3 minutes per side.  Use two forks to flip them over. I like them to be just golden brown.  Let them cook on the other side until golden and then remove from oil and place on a cooling rack lined with a paper towel to cool.

Prepare glaze:  The glaze doesn't really have a recipe.  It's just powdered sugar, vanilla, a pinch of salt and milk.  I start with about 2 cups powdered sugar, about 1 tsp vanilla, a pinch of salt and then about 1/2 cup milk.  Whisk it well and maybe add more milk or sugar depending on the consistency desired.  I've always made it pretty runny so you can hold the doughnut and dunk it half-way into the glaze and then let sit, if you can, to let glaze set.

makes about 2 dozen
You should probably double the recipe because your neighbors will be able to smell it and they will want some too!

Chicken Enchiladas

Chicken Enchiladas

1 large boneless chicken breast

1 cup chopped onion

1 clove garlic, minced

2 TBL butter

1/4 cup chopped chilies or more to taste (optional)

16 ounces stewed tomatoes OR 2 cups fresh cut-up tomatoes

8 ounces or 1 cup tomato sauce

1/2 cup hot or medium chunky salsa

3 tsp. ground cumin

1/2 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp oregano

1/2 tsp basil 

16 tortillas

2 1/2 cups grate cheddar or monterey cheese 

3/4 cup sour cream

Cut chicken breast into bite-sized chunks or shred. Sauté chicken with onion, garlic and fresh chilies in butter until chicken is tender. Add tomatoes, tomato sauce, salsa, cumin, salt, oregano, and basil to cooked chicken mixture. Bring to boil, reduce heat and simmer covered for 20 minutes. Dip each tortilla in sauce (or very hot water) to soften (optional). Place chicken sauce and 2 tablespoons grated cheese on each tortilla. Roll up and place seam side down in 9x13 inch dish (you can stack on top of each other if you want). Blend sour cream into remaining sauce mixture, pour over tortillas (sour cream is optional). Sprinkle with remaining cheese. Cover and bake at 350 for about 40 minutes.

Chicken Parmesan

Chicken Parmesan

Marinara Sauce

1 onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 cans whole tomatoes
olive oil
chopped parsley
chopped basil
1/4 cup red bino
salt and pepper

 In a pot, add 2 tablespoons olive oil. Add the onion and garlic and cook until suayes. Blend tomatoes in blender. Add tomatoes, parsley, basil, and wine. Let simmer for two hours.

Chicken Parmagiana

Chicken Breasts 4
Breadcrumbs      2cups
beaten eggs        3
Mozzarella Chesse 1 lb.
Parmesan Cheese
marinara sauce (see recipe above)

Cut  in small 3x3 inch thin, flatten the chicken breasts. Dip in beaten eggs and then breadcrumbs. Fry in butter over medium heat until golden brown. Cover with a slice of mozzarella cheese. Pour marinara sauce and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Place in over at 350 degree for 30 minutes.

 Put extra sauce on table to dip bread sticks in.

Betty Salisbury's Coconut Carrot Cake

This has been a favorite treat of ours in Peru. Simply delicious! 

Cake:
2 cups flour
2 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup oil
2 cups sugar
3 eggs
1 can crushed pineapple (no juice, well drained)
2 cups grated carrots (well-packed)
1 1/2 cups coconut
1/2 cup chopped pecans

Frosting:
1 cup coconut plus 1/2 cup to sprinkle on top of cake
1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese
1/2 cup butter
3 cups powdered sugar
1 tablespoon milk
1 teaspoon vanilla

Mix first 4 ingredients. Beat oil, sugar and eggs, adding flour mixture as you do so. Beat. Add pineapple, carrots, coconut and nuts. Pour into a greased and floured 13x9 inch pan. Bake in 350 oven for 50-60 minutes. Prepare frosting by lightly toasting 1 cup coconut and then mixing it with 1/2 cup butter, cream cheese, powdered sugar, milk and vanilla. Cover the cooled cake and sprinkle with 1/2 cup coconut.

Coconut Lime Popsicles

 www.lickthebowlgood.blogspot.com

3/4 cup granulated sugar

1/2 cup water

1/2 cup coconut milk

1/2 cup cream of coconut

1/2 cup milk (whole or lowfat)

grated zest of one lime

1/3 cup freshly squeezed lime juice

1/4 cup shredded coconut

Combine the sugar and water in a small saucepan and bring to a boil, stirring to dissolve the sugar. Remove from heat and set aside to cool. (I cooled mine in a bowl set in a water bath to speed up the process. The simple syrup (sugar and water) can be made ahead of time, though.)

Combine the remaining ingredients with the simple syrup in a blender and process until well blended and smooth. Pour into popsicle molds and freeze for at least 4-6 hours, or until firm.

Makes 3 cups of liquid or 8-10 pops

Mom's Famous Marshmallow Brownies

I have a new favorite blog: http://www.sixsistersstuff.com/  It's full of not only recipes, but lots of fun ideas.  I tried these once last week and took them to work.  Everybody really loved them.  I made them again this weekend and increased the amount of cocoa used to make them chocolatier and loved them even more.


1 c. margarine (I used butter)
2 c. sugar
1/3 c. cocoa (I used 2/3 c.)
4 eggs
1 1/2 c. flour (I decreased this by a bit to account for the added cocoa)
1 tsp. salt
2 tsp. vanilla


Soften margarine and blend in 2 cups sugar and cocoa.  Beat together and add 4 eggs, one at a time.  Add flour, salt and vanilla.

Spread on large (10x15x1 inch) greased cookie sheet.  Bake 25 minutes at 350.  Remove from oven and cover entire top with 1 package of miniature marshmallows.  Return to oven for 3 minutes, until soft and puffy.  Cool and frost with chocolate frosting.

Chocolate Frosting:
1 stick margarine (1/2 c.), softened (used butter)
1/4 cup milk
1-2 tsp vanilla
3 tablespoons of cocoa (I doubled this)
2-3 cups of powdered sugar

Mix all ingredients with a hand mixer until smooth.  Add more powdered sugar or milk until you reach desired consistency and spread on top of bars.

Overnight Cinnamon Rolls

I have used the same recipe for cinnamon rolls for a long time because they were fine and I was comfortable with the recipe.  I was hesitant to try a new bread recipe because it's so disappointing when it doesn't turn out because it was a lot of time, effort and anticipation---especially when it's a bread recipe.  But a few weeks ago I bought the Cinnabon Cinnamon Rolls at Costco and everyone loved them and I knew that my recipe wasn't cutting the mustard!  So I ventured out and came upon this recipe and it was really good!  It's a cinnamon roll recipe, not a roll recipe turned into cinnamon rolls.  I didn't let them sit overnight, just out for a couple hours on the counter and they were great after dinner! (The photo is not with the frosting recipe I included.  The frosting I included makes them look way more irresistible!)

• 1 cup milk
• 1/3 cup butter
• 1 (.25 ounce) package active dry yeast
• 1/2 cup white sugar
• 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 3 eggs

Filling:

generously cover dough with cinnamon, brown sugar, white sugar and raisins. (Don't skimp on the cinnamon, especially!) 

1. Heat the milk in a small saucepan until it bubbles, then remove from heat. Add the butter and stir until melted; let cool until lukewarm.
2. In a large mixing bowl, dissolve the yeast in the milk mixture. Add the sugar, 3 cups of flour, salt and eggs; stir well to combine. Add the remaining flour, 1/2 cup at a time, stirring well after each addition. When the dough has pulled together, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth and supple, about 8 minutes.
3. Lightly oil a large mixing bowl, place the dough in the bowl and turn to coat with oil. Cover with a damp cloth and let rise in a warm place until doubled in volume, about 1 hour.
4. Deflate the dough and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and roll into a 10x 14 inch rectangle. Lightly brush the far edge with water. In a small bowl combine the cinnamon and 3/4 cup brown sugar and sprinkle over the rectangles. Then sprinkle the raisins and chopped nuts over the dough. Roll up the dough into a log and seal the seam.
5. Cut the dough into 12 equal pieces; place the pieces in a greased 9x13 inch baking pan, or 12 inch deep dish pizza pan. Cover with plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator to rise overnight.
6. The next morning, preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Take the rolls out of the refrigerator and let stand at room temperature for 30 minutes.
7. Bake the rolls for 25 to 30 minutes or until golden. 

Ms. Humble's Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting16oz cream cheese, room temperature
1 1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup heavy cream, cold. Higher the fat content, the better (I'm using 40% Ultra)

Beat the cheese, sugar and vanilla until smooth and fluffy. In a separate bowl, beat the heavy cream to nearly stiff peaks, then add the whipped cream into the cheese mixture and quickly and briefly beat to combine. Do not over beat.

Fudge Bars

To me, these bars are lethal. I love the taste, but I really love the texture. They are soft and chewy and irresistable. I promise that you will like them- how can you not like a combo of cookie and fudge! Enjoy!

Fudge Bars

1 pkg semi sweet cc (or milk choc if you like that better)
3 T butter
1 can sweetened condensed milk
2 t vanilla

1 C butter
2 C brown sugar
2 eggs
2 ½ C flour
1 t baking powder
¾ t salt
¾ C oatmeal

Grease 10 x 15 x 1 in cookie sheet. Melt choc chips, 3 T butter and sweetened cond milk together in medium saucepan. Add vanilla and cool. In large bowl cream together 1 C butter and brown sugar; beat en eggs. Add flour, baking powder and salt that have been mixed together. Stir in oatmeal. Spread ¾ dough in bottom of pan to make crust. Spread fudge mixture over crust. Dot remaining dough over top. Bake 20 to 25 min. Cool and cut into bars.

Ham & Cheese Sliders

Ham and Cheese Sliders

adapted slightly from the Recipe Club

24 good white dinner rolls

24 pieces good honey ham
24 small slices Swiss cheese
1/3 cup mayonnaise
1/3 cup miracle whip

Poppy seed sauce (you probably could half this...I had plenty extra)
1 Tablespoon poppyseeds
1 1/2 Tablespoons yellow mustard
1/2 cup butter, melted
1 Tablespoon minced onion
1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

In a small bowl, mix together mayonnaise and miracle whip. Spread onto both sides of the center of each roll. Place a slice of ham and a slice of Swiss inside of each roll. Close rolls and place them into a large baking dish or heavy cookie sheet. Place very close together.

In a medium bowl, whisk together all of the poppy seed sauce ingredients. Pour evenly over all of the sandwiches. You do not have to use all of the sauce! Just use enough to cover the tops. Let sit 10 minutes or until butter sets slightly. Cover with foil and bake at 350 degrees for 12-15 minutes or until cheese is melted. Uncover and cook for 2 additional minutes or until tops are slightly brown and crispy. Serve warm.

** sandwiches can be assembled a day ahead and kept in the fridge ready to bake.

Another Spinach Dip Recipe

Everyone has a favorite artichoke/spinach dip recipe.  Even if you do, you should try this one!  First, it's really good (REALLY), and second, I love it because it doesn't call for any special ingredients.  It's all stuff I usually have.


1 can artichoke hearts, drained and smashed
3/4 C. frozen chopped spinach 
8 oz. cream cheese
3/4 C. Parmesan Cheese
1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper
1/4 heaping tsp. salt
1/2 heaping tsp. garlic powder
 
Boil the artichokes and spinach in 1 C. water for 10 mins.  Drain water out add the cream cheese.  Stir until melted then add all the remaining ingredients.  ENJOY!  My favorite is to serve with sourdough bread, but chips or crackers are also great.

Peanut Butter Texas Sheet Cake

This cake is sublime! I made two and took one to work and it was devoured. The sour cram makes the cake so moist and the peanut butter frosting is delish! I topped mine with Resees Pieces for an extra PB kick!

INGREDIENTS:

Cake:
2 cups sugar
2 cups flour
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup sour cream, light or regular
2/3 cup creamy peanut butter
1 cup butter
1 cup water

Frosting
1/2 cup butter
2/3 cups creamy peanut butter
6 tablespoons milk
2 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla

DIRECTIONS:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. For the cake, in a medium bowl combine the sugar and flour. In a largeM bowl mix eggs, baking soda, and sour cream well. Set aside. In a small saucepan combine peanut butter, butter, and water. Bring to a boil. Stir the boiled peanut butter mixture into the flour mixture. Add to the sour cream mixture. Mix well. Pour into a lightly greased 15×10 inch sheet/jellyroll pan.

Bake 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

For the frosting, while the cake is baking, combine the butter, peanut butter, and milk in a saucepan. Bring to a boil stirring constantly. Add the powdered sugar and mix well. Stir in the vanilla. The frosting will be thick. Mix well. Pour and spread over cake while both are still warm.

Let the cake and frosting cool completely. Cut into pieces and serve.

Recipe Source: from Sprinkled with Flour

Skillet Macaroni and Cheese

I have been on a quest for the perfect mac and cheese recipe that does not involve any Velveeta cheese to make it creamy. I gave this one a try and was not disappointed! My kids even loved it which is a surprise because when I make homemade mac and cheese they usually ask if they can just eat the boxed stuff. This was way easy and will now be a staple in our home.

3 1/2 cups water, plus extra if needed
1 (12-ounce) can evaporated milk
12 ounces (about 3 cups) elbow macaroni
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
1/4 teaspoon hot sauce
6 ounces cheddar cheese, shredded (1 1/2 cups)
6 ounces Monterey Jack cheese, shredded (1 1/2 cups)
2 tablespoons butter, cut into small chunks
Ground black pepper to taste

Bring 3 1/2 cups water, 1 cup of the evaporated milk, the macaroni, and 1/2 teaspoon salt to a simmer in a 12-inch nonstick skillet over high heat. Cook at a vigorous simmer, stirring often, until the macaroni is tender and the liquid has thickened, 9 to 12 minutes.

Whisk the remaining 1/2 cup evaporated milk, the cornstarch, mustard and hot sauce together in a small bowl, then stir into the skillet. Continue to simmer slightly thickened, about 1 minute.

Off the heat, stir in the cheddar and Monterey Jack, one handful at a time, adding water as needed to adjust the consistency of the sauce (I didn’t need any additional water when I made it). Stir in the butter and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately.

Ham and Pea Variation
Follow the recipe, adding 4 ounces deli-style baked ham, diced medium, and 1/2 cup frozen peas to the skillet with the cornstarch mixture in step 2.

Chocolate Nutella Cookies

Super chocolatey moist cookies. They don't taste much like Nutella but I bet they would if I had the hazlenut extract. But they are really yummy and chewy and easy! And that's not a typo, there really are no eggs.

Chocolate Nutella Cookies
Recipe from Two Peas and Their Pod

Ingredients:

1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, lightly spooned into measuring cups and leveled with a knife
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt (omit if using salted butter)
2/3 cup Dutch-process unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup dark brown sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
1/2 teaspoon hazelnut extract (you can substitute 1/2 teaspoon vanilla if you can’t find or don’t like hazelnut extract)
1/3 cup Nutella
1/3 cup milk

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 325°

In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, and baking powder. Set the mixture aside. In a large bowl, beat together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed for about 2 minutes or until smooth. Add the extracts and beat for another 30 seconds or so. Add the Nutella and beat until smooth.

With the mixer running, add half of the flour mixture and mix until combined. Add the milk, mixing until combined completely, then add the remaining flour mixture and mix completely. Cover and refrigerate the dough for at least 15 minutes (and as long as 2-3 days).

When you’re ready to bake the cookies, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Roll tablespoons of dough into balls and place them on the lined cookie sheet, allowing about 2″ between the dough balls.

Lightly press the dough balls with the bottom of a drinking glass and then bake for 10-12 minutes or until the cookies are crackly on top and soft, but starting to set. Remove from the oven and allow them to stand for about 5 minutes and then transfer the cookies to a cooling rack and allow them to cool completely. Makes about 3 dozen cookies.

Coconut Lime Sours

I was introduced to this tasty treat at Jeni Georgia's and loved the unique taste.  Kayla also tried these at the Georgia's and begged me to get the recipe.  We finally made them together...so yummy!  This is the recipe courtesy of Bonnye Jolley.

Ingredients:
2 cups flour
4 T. sugar
1/8 tsp. salt
1 stick, plus 2 1/2 T. margarine
4 eggs, beaten
1 cup almonds, chopped
2 cups light brown sugar, firmly packed
3 cups sweetened flaked coconut
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
2 T. fresh lime juice
2 tsp. lime zest

Directions:
Combine flour, sugar, and salt in a bowl.  Cut in margarine until mixture resembles coarse meal.  Press crust into ungreased 10 by 15 inch baking pan (I used 9 x 13).  Bake for 15 minutes or until golden brown.

Mix eggs, nuts, brown sugar, and coconut until well blended; spread over baked crust.

Bake an additional 15 - 20 minutes or until set.

While still warm, loosen the edges with a metal spatula.  Mix together the powdered sugar, lime juice, and zest with a fork.  Working quickly, spread the lime paste all over the top with a spatula while still warm.  Let cool to room temperature and cut into bars.

Mom's Best Macaroni Salad

Macaroni salad and I don't always get along. There are some amish macaroni salads that I like, but usually I skip this at a BBQ. Recently my mom tried this recipe and it is by far, the best macaroni salad to ever go into my mouth. I had seconds and was practically licking my plate. It probably has something to do with the sweetened condensed milk in the sauce, but everyone there agreed it was awesome. I'm sure this will be a frequent repeat in our house.

Ingredients

• 16 ounces uncooked elbow macaroni
• 4 carrots, shredded
• 1 large red onion, chopped
• 1/2 green bell pepper, seeded and chopped
• 1/2 red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
• 1 cup chopped celery
• 2 cups mayonnaise
• 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
• 1/2 cup white sugar
• 1/2 cup white vinegar
• salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add macaroni, and cook until tender, about 8 minutes. Rinse under cold water, and drain.
2. In a large bowl, stir together the carrots, red onion, green pepper, red pepper and celery. Mix in the mayonnaise, condensed milk, sugar, vinegar, salt and pepper. Add the macaroni, toss gently, cover and refrigerate for at least 8 hours. I usually make this a day ahead of time, and stir it occasionally to blend the flavors. The macaroni will absorb some of the liquid.

Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein

We had this last night and it is certainly a keeper. Even the kids agreed! It is actually from Family Fun. My sisters have passed it around and have been telling me it was a winner but I hadn't actually gotten around to making it till last night. I had all the ingredients on-hand except the oyster sauce so I skipped that one. I probably would have only used a drop or two anyway, cause I don't like it very much. I also doubled the sauce- I just don't like it dry at all.

So try it as-is or fix it the way you want...you will not be disappointed!

Ingredients

8 ounces thin spaghetti, broken in half
1 teaspoon dark sesame oil
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
3 cups chopped broccoli
1 1/2 cups sliced onion
1 tablespoon minced peeled fresh ginger
4 garlic cloves, minced
12 ounces sirloin tips, cut crosswise into thin strips
3 tablespoons beef broth
3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon oyster sauce

Instructions

Stir the spaghetti into a pot of lightly salted boiling water and cook it according to the package directions. Drain the noodles well, then return them to the pot and toss them with the sesame oil.

Heat the vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the broccoli and onion and cook, stirring often, for 3 minutes. Add the ginger and garlic and continue stirring while the mixture cooks for another 30 seconds. Add the sirloin and cook it, stirring often, for 5 minutes or until it is no longer pink.

In a small bowl, mix the broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, and oyster sauce. Add the soy sauce mixture and the pasta to the skillet and continue cooking, stirring often, for 1 to 2 minutes or until everything is heated through. Serve the lo mein hot. Makes 4 to 6 servings.

Lemonade Deliciousness

It's that time of year for making lemonade. Here are my two favorite recipes:

Crazy Coconut Lemonade

***Note*** Here is the step by step video to see how Ingrid makes it.

In each glass put about 4-6 mint leaves, 2 slices each of lemon and lime, and 2 Tbsp.of sugar. Muddle it (take the end of a wooden spoon and smash it around real good).

In blender mix:

1 cup of Coconut water
2-3 Tbsp.of coconut cream(milk)
2 Tbsp. of lemon juice
2 Tbsp. of lime juice
and ice.

Pour blended mixture in glass and light stir. Add more sugar if you need. Enjoy!!!!!


Tucano's Brazilian Lemonade

4 juicy limes
1 cup sugar
6 c. cold water
6 Tbsp. sweetened condensed milk

Mix water and sugar very well and chill. Wash limes w/soap. Cut off ends, then cut into 8ths. Place 1/2 of limes in blender, add 1/2 of sugar water and pulse 5x. Place a fine mesh strainer over pitcher and pour blended mixture through strainer. Throw out the peel. Add milk. ( I found 6 Tbsp to much, start off with 3) Taste as you go. If bitter use a little more sugar or milk. Serve immedietly.

The best pancakes I have ever made

I don't know if the secret is the buttermilk or the oats, but these pancakes are fantastic and I love that it makes a ton of mix for you to hang onto until you need to whip up some breakfast. Everybody in our family had seconds, they were so moist and good for you too!

Oatmeal Pancake Mix

from melskitchencafe.com

*Note (added 3/2011): I've updated this recipe several times to reflect that I generally use 100% whole wheat flour (five cups total, instead of using 2 cups of all-purpose flour). I prefer white wheat flour, although red wheat could be used and will lend an even heartier taste to the mix. Also, I made it the other day and before I added the oats to the mix, I threw them in my blender (yep, blender) and pulverized them to a powder. We loved the result! Loved it. Although the texture with the unblended oats is fantastic in it's own right, blending the oats lends a smooth texture to the mix and finished pancakes. I'll be doing it that way from now on!

*Makes 10 cups of dry mix

3 1/2 cups rolled (quick) oats

3 cups whole wheat flour

2 cups all-purpose flour

3 tablespoons sugar

3 tablespoons baking powder

1 tablespoon salt

1 tablespoon baking soda

1 cup vegetable oil

Mix all the dry ingredients together in a mixer with a paddle (or by hand). If desired, grind the oats in a blender or food processor before adding to the other dry ingredients for a smoother mix. With mixer on slow speed (or gently by hand), drizzle the vegetable oil into the bowl slowly while the mixer is running. When all the oil has been added, stop the mixer and squeeze a clump of mix in your hand. If it stays together, it is just right. If it is still crumbly, add another tablespoon of oil at a time until the consistency is correct (I've never had to add additional oil). Store in an airtight container for up to two weeks at room temperature or indefinitely in the refrigerator or freezer.

To make the pancakes: whisk together 1 cup of mix, 1 cup buttermilk (a combination of half plain yogurt and half milk will also work), and 1 egg. The mixture may seem thin at first but the oats will soak up the milk as it stands while the griddle preheats. Heat a griddle and drop the batter onto it. When the edges look dry and bubbles come to the surface and don't break, turn the pancake over to finish cooking on the second side. As a sidenote, buttermilk can be frozen indefinitely for future batches of pancakes, so it's worth keeping it around!

*1 cup of mix will make about 4-5 4-inch pancakes.