Minted Strawberries

This is one of my all-time favorite ways to enjoy fresh strawberries.  They're so simple to make, yet they feel so gourmet.  Serve them at any meal, or even as a light dessert.  Spearmint is the way to go for most recipes, but if you can find a chocolate mint plant, that works especially well here.

Items used to make this recipe:

(affiliate links)

• vanilla sugar https://amzn.to/2Hg9l3K

• paring knife https://amzn.to/2Q3Cbam

• cutting board https://amzn.to/2VjbtLy

• ramekins https://amzn.to/2E8gIbw

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Minted Strawberries

makes 2 servings

Printable Recipe

Ingredient

• 8-10 ripe strawberries, chopped into bite-size pieces

• 1/2 - 1 teaspoon vanilla sugar, depending on how sweet the berries are (or white granulated sugar)

• 2 fresh spearmint leaves, sliced into thin ribbons (or try chocolate mint)

Directions

1. Combine all the ingredients together; stir to coat and allow to sit for 5-10 minutes, or until the strawberries start to release their juice.

2. Stir again and serve. Chill leftovers.

Cinnamon Roll Pancakes

Oh boy do I have a decadent breakfast recipe to share with you today.  How do Cinnamon Roll Pancakes sound??  Yes, I know... way too good, right?  Right!!  That's why I only  make them when we have guests in the house.

The pancake batter is pretty straight forward, but you can use your favorite boxed pancake mix if you like.  The cinnamon filling and the creamy drizzle should be made before you start frying your pancakes.  I put each of them in a sturdy zip-top bag.  When I'm ready to use each, I snip a tiny hole in the corner of the bag.  If the cinnamon filling starts to separate before you use it, squish it around in the bag for a minute.  Likewise, if the cream drizzle starts to firm up too much before you use it, squish it around in the bag for a minute.

Prepare the cinnamon filling and creamy drizzle before you start.  Keep the bags sealed for now, but snip a small hole in the corner of each when needed.

Each batch of pancakes should start with a clean skillet.

When you start seeing bubbles in the pancake batter, pipe the cinnamon filling in a swirl pattern, being careful not to pipe it too close to the edge of the pancakes.

Get too close to the edge and this will happen.  No worries, it'll still taste good.

Flip the pancakes over when the bottoms look like this. 

Ooooo.... so cool.

Are you ready for a bite?  Wait... we need to add the creamy drizzle.

Okay, there you go.  You're welcome.

Items used to make this recipe:

(affiliate links)

• stainless mixing bowls https://amzn.to/2HdT3Z4

• stainless whisks https://amzn.to/2JwcIVL

• pancake pen https://amzn.to/2E3ceTj

• flexible pancake turner https://amzn.to/2vUqbi5

• really good non-stick skillet https://amzn.to/2YrdTdo

• pure vanilla extract https://amzn.to/3H2vlLS

• pure maple syrup https://amzn.to/2HeMNQC

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Cinnamon Roll Pancakes

Printable Recipe

makes eight 4-inch pancakes

Ingredients

Cinnamon Filling:

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

• 6 tablespoons packed light brown sugar

• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Creamy Glaze:

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 2 ounces cream cheese, room temperature

• 3/4 cup powdered sugar

• 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Pancakes:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• 2 teaspoons baking powder, sifted

• 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt

• 1 cup milk

• 1 large egg, beaten

• 1 tablespoon canola oil

Directions

To make the cinnamon filling:

1. Combine ingredients and place in a heavy zip-top bag; set aside until needed

To make the creamy drizzle:

1. Gently melt butte rand whisk in cream cheese until smooth.

2. Add powdered sugar and vanilla; whisk until smooth.

3. Place in a heavy zip-top bag; set aside until needed.

To make the pancake batter:

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients.

2. Add milk, egg, and oil; whisk just until combined (don't over whisk - a few lumps in the batter are okay).

To make the pancakes:

1. Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium heat and spray with non-stick spray. Scoop 1/3 cup batter per pancake into hot skillet (each pancake will be about 4-inches in diameter).

2. Reduce heat to low.

3. Snip a tiny hole in the corner of the bag containing the cinnamon filling. When the pancake begins to form bubbles, squeeze cinnamon filling in a swirl pattern starting in the center, being careful not to get the filling too close to the edges of the pancake; cook 2-3 minutes, or until it's time to flip the pancakes over.

4. Cook on second side for an additional 2-3 minutes.

5. Wipe pan clean between batches. Serve with creamy drizzle.

adapted from recipegirl.