Tuesday, April 22, 2008

Welcome Home Pancakes


One of the many questions I asked my boyfriend when he was overseas was, "What foods do you miss?" Well, it sounded like he was pretty well fed over there, he had to search a bit for an answer. He didn't have any serious cravings, but once he came to the realization that he hadn't had any blueberry pancakes in quite a long time, he knew he'd want them once he got home. I had a lot to live up to, he's a native Mainer, so he knows his blueberries, his Mom is an amazing baker and he describes the local, volunteer-firefighter pancake breakfasts that he attended as a child with such passion it made me shudder to think of the Lions Club pancake breakfasts I attended as a child, surely they didn't use fresh blueberries in their pancakes.




So, I had a lot to live up to. Try making them gluten-free and dairy-free and serving them to a gluten-eater. Well, a gluten-eater when I'm not around. You see, once he understood the ins and outs of my gluten sensitivity, learning that even a small amount would make me sick, meaning that if he eats a sandwich and gives me a kiss, most likely I would end up with stomach cramps, among many other things for at least twenty-four hours, he basically swore off gluten when I'm around. Pretty. Darn. Cool. And just another reason why I wait through eight-month long deployments, month long trips and hundreds of miles between us, because he's just that worth it.

Enough of the sappy stuff and back to the pancakes. In my quest to find the perfect gluten-free, dairy-free pancake I had grueling taste tests, often involving my family. We tasted mixes, including one that was so dry that one pancake could literally soak up 1/4 cup of syrup. We tried recipes, including one that involved teff flour, which I love, but which my parents definately did not. And luckily, I stumbeled upon a recipe from allrecipes.com for "delicious gluten-free pancakes" that received rave reviews and euereka! after tweaking them to my requirements, no dairy and no sugar -- they were delicious! The following is the recipe I adapted from this
one.


Blueberry Pancakes (gluten-free, dairy-free, vegetarian, no added sugar)

1 cup superfine brown rice flour
3 tablespoons tapioca flour
1/3 cup potato starch
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon xanthan gum
2 eggs
3 tablespoons extra light olive oil (or any light tasting oil)
1 1/2 cups soured almond or rice milk (to sour milk, simply add one tablespoon per cup of "milk" and mix, then let sit for about five minutes)
1 cup fresh blueberries (frozen will work well too)

In a bowl, mix together the brown rice flour, tapioca flour, potato starch, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and xanthan gum. Stir in eggs, "milk", and oil until well blended and few lumps remain.

Heat a large, well-oiled skillet (or non-stick) over medium heat. Spoon batter onto skillet and add about five blueberries (make hearts and funny faces if you feel inclined) per pancake. Cook until bubbles begin to form. Flip, and continue cooking until golden brown on bottom. Serve immediately plain, with maple syrup, or condiment of choice (agave nectar is tasty too).

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

These look like something I could try. . .glad they turned out (and that you finally found each other at the airport!) :)

Tiffany said...

Yum Yum Yum!

Sheltie Girl said...

These look delicious. I'm sure your boy friend enjoyed them.

Try a little agave syrup in them...that's my family's preferred way for me to make pancakes.

Sheltie Girl @ Gluten A Go Go

Liz said...

Thanks Ricki! As I'm sure you know it takes quite a few flops to find the perfect recipe.

Yum indeed Tiff! Next up, your zucchini cake :)

SG, thanks for the tip! I often use agave in place of syrup, but I will definately try it in the mix next time.

K Allrich said...

Aw, what a guy! He deserves those pancakes.

And I agree with Sheltie Girl- a touch of agave helps gluten-free batter. (I agree with your parents about teff- I'm not a fan!)

Liz said...

He sure does, Karina :) Good to hear another nod for the agave. Perhaps a pancake repeat will occur this weekend.

Anonymous said...

Wow, cute dog(s) and a great boyfriend! I'm happy for you and grateful for guys like yours. Give him (and YOU) a big THANK YOU from those of us who appreciate his service and your patience! Feed him those GF blueberry pancakes; then you won't have to worry about gluten-laced kisses.
Melissa
P.S. Lizzie -- for some reason I'm having trouble leaving this comment. If I've sent it a dozen times, forgive me and delete the extras!

Vittoria said...

What a great guy. You're lucky to have him back home. I just found out that one of my best friends is being redeployed. I wish you and him all the best.

Tracie said...

I'm sorry - one tablespoon of what, apple cider vinegar to the milk? Thank you!