Valentines Day Breakfast with
Pennsylvania Dutch German Puffed Pancakes



Valentines Day falls on a Wednesday this year and of course on the fourteenth of February. Usually we think of chocolates and flowers and perhaps dinner at a favorite restaurant with a favorite someone which gives the man in your life that special day to indulge you.

But as with all things, receiving is really nice but so is giving. Breakfast might be overlooked on this day but I’m thinking how nice it would be to surprise your mate with this wonderfully light, attractive and delicious breakfast to kick start your day and what a chance to say, I love you and I think you’re really special to me. You can also do this with your children and if you live alone please spoil yourself and treat yourself, you deserve it.

You can top these cakes also known as “Dutch Babies” with melted butter and powdered sugar. Fruit whipped cream cheese ( mix your favorite jam with a few ice cubes and softened cream cheese in the food processor or blender, this can be done the day before and you can also substitute Butter for the cream cheese for a fruited butter ) Sautéed apples or pears which can also be cooked the day before and then reheated. Melted butter, pecans and coconut. This recipe is truly delicious, use your own favorite toppings too.

When the alarm goes off, on your way to the bathroom to wash your face or shower set the oven at 475 degrees. Turn on the coffeepot that you had set to go the night before.

Pour yourself a cup of coffee, mmm, tastes good. Now that your eyes are open melt four tblsp. Butter or margarine in a 9” pie plate (glass or ceramic works best) you can divide this recipe and use ramekins if you have them, however the pie plate really works and the presentation is attractive and appealing.

Beat two eggs well with a wire whisk. Gradually whisk in ½ cup of low fat milk (regular milk is fine too if that’s what you have but low fat works a bit better) Mix in ½ cup of all purpose flour and ½ teaspoon of almond extract (optional) and ½ teaspoon of lemon zest (optional). Pour the batter into your buttered pie plate and place in oven. Cook until the pancake is puffed and golden. The edges of the pancake will form up on the sides like a ring. This should take about 12 minutes or so depending on your oven.

Serve with any of those toppings you’ve chosen on a pretty plate and enjoy. Elegant doesn’t have to be time consuming and difficult. Ahhh, I bet that coffee is tasting good.

I hope you enjoy your Valentines breakfast and your whole day. May you be blessed and happy.