Mother's Day Banana Chocolate Chip Pancakes

May 11, 2012

Cinnamon banana chocolate chip pancakes are the ultimate breakfast to make for mom on Mother's Day. You have a little bit of everything in these pancakes: cinnamon adds an unexpected spice, chocolate chips add richness, and bananas are the fruity component. With these pancakes, syrup is almost unnecessary because you'll want to taste all the different flavors. If syrup is a must, splurge on 100 percent maple syrup (Grade B if you can find it). Serve these cinnamon banana chocolate chip pancakes with a mug of hot coffee to complete this delicious Mother's Day meal.

Cinnamon Chocolate-Chip Banana Pancakes

Ingredients:

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (or to taste)

1 tablespoon sugar

1 1/2 cups buttermilk (you can use milk and a tablespoon of lemon juice

1 large egg

3 tablespoons melted butter (or 1 tablespoon of olive oil, I've used both without much differe

1 Banana

1 cup of chocolate chips

(Optional) Walnuts are always a fun addition too

Olive or veggie oil, for the fry pan

Preparation:

First, brew some coffee, select your favorite mug, and prepare as you like (hey, why not throw some Bailey's in there). As is the rule in my kitchen, you've got to have a drink nearby when cooking....

Mix all of the dry ingredients in a large bowl and mix to combine. Next add the wet ingredients and mix till fairly smooth. Small lumps may still be remaining, this is okay...you don't need to be too neurotic with the mixing. Once you're batter is prepared, prep the bananas into slices and have both bananas and chocolate chips on hand.

Heat a frying pan over medium heat. Heat is key for good pancakes. Too hot and you'll burn them, too low and it'll take forever to get a nice golden brown. Adjust often and don't add too many pancakes to the pan. I actually cook my pancakes one at a time and either feed to "the family" as I make them or add them to a heated plate in the stove (at warming temp). If you have a nice big grill or electric grittle, go buck wild and know that I'm jealous.

Once the pan is heated, add about a 1/2 tablespoon of oil, heat, and then add the batter. Place four or five bananas slices in the batter and sprinkle with chocolate chips...

I prefer to not mix the banana and chocolate chips into the batter ahead of time, partly because Jac like it this way, partly because the bananas get a nice fry on them, and partly because you can get perfect chocolate chip distribution throughout the pancake (Can you say neurotic?). If you do follow this precision technique, be sure to push each chocolate chip into the pancake so that the chocolate is sufficiently covered by the batter. Yes, it is a labor of love...did I mention my wife's pregnant?

After about 3-4 min. on one side, flip pancake and cook for about the same time till golden brown.

Repeat and serve! Enjoy!