Short Stack

When I was a tween, I was extremely short. Like, nickname-inducing, age-questioning short. I was at least two heads shorter than many of my “tall” friends, and a head shorter than my friends that were considered “short.” When I graduated 8th grade, they lined us up by height. The taller kids got to be in the back row, and we were in decreasing order towards the front with the shortest kid being at the end. I was third to last.

And, when I say nicknames, they ran the gamut from “shorty” to “shrimp”, “shortstuff”, “tiny”, “baby”, and “short stack.” You know, like pancakes.

I can remember being called “short stack” a few times, and always thinking it was funny, because I looked nothing like pancakes. Nothing at all in fact! I was, however, pleased with the nickname. Really, who doesn’t like pancakes?

Some days call for nothing but pancakes. Alton Brown’s perfect fluffy pancakes at that. That man is a genius. I took a few shortcuts and halved the recipe, so mine is a bit more realistic for a 2-3 person dinner.

Alton Brown’s Fluffy Pancakes

Ingredients

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 tsp. baking soda
• 1 1/2 tsp. baking powder
• 1 Tb. kosher salt
• 1 Tb. sugar
• 2 eggs plus 1 egg white, lightly beaten
• 2 cups milk
• 2 Tb. melted butter
• fillings/toppings of choice

Directions

Mix the dry ingredients together in a large bowl, and in a separate bowl, mix the wet thoroughly. Pour the wet ingredients over the dry and mix until just barely combined. Don’t worry about lumps. Heat a griddle or frying pan and lightly grease it (pour a little oil or melted butter on a paper towel and wipe it on the warm griddle). Scoop the batter on to the hot griddle and then sprinkle in your fruit or chip of choice. When bubbles “stay” on the surface of the pancakes, flip them and cook another few minutes. Remove to a baking sheet or plate. Store remaining pancakes in a low oven to keep warm, or refrigerate the leftovers.

But you won’t have leftovers.

They were the best pancakes I’ve ever had, made better by real maple syrup.

I really like syrup.

What’s that lurking around the corner? I know you can see it…

Why, hello Old Town Social bacon! Jared, your bacon is even better in maple syrup.

And what’s that hiding in the pancakes?

That would be Ghiradelli chocolate chips. Lots of them.

These were eaten on the couch, in front of the TV, while Adam and I tried to stay awake for long enough to not go to bed while it was still light out. Obviously, I hated every bite.

So while I may have been called “short stack” at one point in my life… I’ve now mastered it in my own kitchen!

And, you have no idea how difficult it was to actually get this post up. My camera ate my photos. I spent most of the evening finding a program to recover the photos… and I succeeded! THAT is how much I wanted you to see these.

Now, go make them. Maybe not right now, but how about for breakfast tomorrow? Or Sunday?

You won’t regret it.

Nor will you regret voting for my cupcakes on the POM Wonderful Cupcake Contest!

Also, you may notice a little thermometer over in the sidebar. I’ve registered myself for a 5k run/walk to benefit the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network. I’m not planning on running, but rather walking with a team of my family and friends… and would love your help!

Tagged as: bacon, breakfast, breakfast for dinner, chocolate, fun, fundraising, pancakes, simple recipe, sweets, vegetarian