Recipe (Re)creation: Mom's Puffy Pancake

While the holidays are always joyful, they never fail to make me miss my mom dearly. My best attempt at keeping her here in spirit is to make her signature dishes throughout the holidays.  This puffy pancake was one of my absolute favorite breakfast treats growing up.  I would beg for it every weekend and my mom made it for me and my sister every Christmas morning without fail.  This morning I am channeling my mom and spoiling myself (and family) with this beautifully delicious breakfast.  It serves two very hungry people or three to four as a small breakfast.  It looks so impressive, but it's actually quite simple (shhh) and is sure to make your family and friends feel special.  Serve with powdered sugar, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, and any berries you have on hand.

Serves 2-4

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup flour
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Optional topping:
• powdered sugar
• fresh lemon juice
• berries

Directions:

-Preheat oven to 400 degree F.
-Place the butter in a 9 inch round baking dish and place in the oven to melt.
-Brush the butter all over the bottom and sides on the dish.
-Whisk together the eggs, then add the flour, milk and salt and mix well.
-Pour into the dish and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and puffy.
-Serve immediately with lemon juice, powdered sugar, and berries.

Recipe (Re)creation: Easy Mini Chocolate Souffles

You will not believe how easy it is to make this souffle.  It is light and airy and wonderfully chocolatey (plus, its low-fat).  The souffle recipe is based on this recipe from Cooking Light.  It offers the perfect amount of indulgence without being too gluttonous.  I made this for Valentine's Day and it was a hit.  After it was devoured, the words uttered in our dining room were, "this needs to go into the weekly rotation."  I believe it just has.

Serves 2

Ingredients:

• Cooking spray
• 4 1/2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon flour
• 1 1/2 tablespoons dutch process cocoa
• 2 tablespoons skim milk
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 large egg white
• 1 teaspoon powdered sugar (for sprinkling)

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Coat 2 ramekins with cooking spray and sprinkle each with 3/4 tsp granulated sugar.

Combine 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, flour, cocoa and milk in a small saucepan over medium heat.  

Cook on medium heat for 2 minutes and stir until smooth.  

Remove from heat and scoop in a small bowl to cool for a few minutes and stir in vanilla extract.

Place egg white in a medium bowl (or standing mixer) and beat on high until soft peaks form.

Gradually add the remaining 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar until stiff peaks form and the mixture thickens.

Gradually stir the egg mixture into the chocolate mixture until smooth.

Evenly spoon the mixture into two ramekins.

Bake for 15 minutes, or until fluffy and set.

Sprinkle eat souffle with powdered sugar and serve immediately.

Top with berries or gelato for a fun twist.


Enjoy (AKA devour)