Baby, it's cold outside ...

Yes ... winter does cause some headaches - change of plans, icy roads, etc. ... but, Oh - when you have no where to go, but to your comfy chair with slippers on ... isn't it beyond loveliness to see God's handiwork blanketing all that your eyes may see?

I always feel closest to Heaven when I am absorbed in nature's beauty...

So, this weekend we took it easy ... again. :)

It called for many cups of creamy coffee in my favorite mug (a treasured piece of pottery found at a yard sale a few years back. It's my every morning companion)...

and homemade pancakes to start the day off right.

Pancake Recipe:

1 1/2 c. flour

3 1/2 t. baking powder

1 t. salt

3 t. sugar, heaping

1 1/4 c. milk

1 egg

3 T butter, melted

1 t. vanilla

Heat together milk and butter in microwave-safe bowl to warm and melt the butter. While heating, whisk together all dry ingredients (first four) in a large bowl. In a separate small bowl, whisk the egg and vanilla together. When the butter has melted in the milk, whisk in the beaten egg and vanilla mixture slowly. Then, pour the egg/milk mixture into the dry ingredients and whisk just until all is combined. Let stand while griddle or skillet is heating.

I've noticed that by heating the milk, the baking powder seems to react to this and gives rise to the batter. When your skillet is ready (I usually prepare mine with a tablespoon of veg. oil and butter, each), scoop the batter and drop it into the pan. Do not make the mistake of playing with or spreading out the batter, as that will flatten your pancake.

I have searched high and low for a fluffy pancake recipe that has taste! This is it. I found this recipe on www.allrecipes.com - my favorite finder of yummy foods that always seem to be a hit in our home. I love that the recipes are rated and that people write in as to what they changed or added. It truly saves a lot of time when I'm stuck on a dinner menu ... you can even search by ingredients that you want or do not want. If you have not checked this site out ... you really should! You will not be sorry.

There is no love sincerer than the love of food.

-George Bernard Shaw