The holidays mean guests, and that means most of us will need to make a few more fancy meals. Breakfast an brunch items are generally fairly quick and easy, and the following festive Cranberry Apple Puff Pancake is no exception. The batter is quickly whisked or blended, poured into a cast iron pan that has been heated with plenty of real butter, and let to cook until it is puffed and brown. While the pancake, that takes only 18-25 minutes, is baking, the filling ingredients are made in a skillet on the stove. The apple cranberry filling is delicious, and can also be used on pancakes, waffles, or French toast.

4 Servings

Pancake:
3 tablespoons butter
1/2 cup flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
1 tablespoon sugar
1/2 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 teaspoon lemon extract
2 eggs

Filling;
2 tablespoons butter
2 medium apples, peeled, core, and sliced
3/4 cup brown sugar
2 cups fresh cranberries
1/2 teaspoon baking spice, such as ground mixed spice, pumpkin pie spice, etc.

Powdered sugar, for dusting

1. Preheat the oven to 425º.
2. Put the butter into a 10-12" cast iron frying pan and place in the oven to melt the butter while you mix the ingredients.
3. Whisk together the flour, salt, nutmeg, sugar, milk, vanilla, lemon extract, and eggs until smooth, place in the blender for a few seconds.
4. When the butter is melted and the pan is hot, pour the flour mixture into the pan.
5. Put the pan back in the oven and bake for 18-25 minutes or until puffed and brown.
6. Meanwhile make the filling: melt the butter in a skillet; add the apples and sauté over medium heat until they are coated with the butter and begin to soften.
7. Sprinkle with brown sugar and stir until melted.
8. Rinse the cranberries and add them to the apple mixture; sprinkle with the baking spice.
9. Continue to sauté over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries have popped and the mixture has thickened; keep warm.
10. When the pancake is done, remove from the oven, spoon the apple cranberry mixture over, sprinkle with powdered sugar, and cut into wedges to serve immediately.

Amount Per Serving
Calories 443 Calories from Fat 168
Percent Total Calories From: Fat 38% Protein 6% Carb. 57%

Nutrient Amount per Serving
Total Fat 19 g
Saturated Fat 10 g
Cholesterol 149 mg
Sodium 492 mg
Total Carbohydrate 63 g
Dietary Fiber 3 g
Sugars 3 g
Protein 6 g

Vitamin A 16% Vitamin C 22% Calcium 0% Iron 9%