Looking for something unique to serve on Christmas morning that will make your breakfast completely unique and memorable? If so, consider skipping the usual spiced breads or muffins and choose something a little different and very tasty. For those who enjoy spending a bit of prep time in the kitchen with family, you might love the almond pancakes with sour cherry syrup recipe posted by Zoe Singer at Epicurious.com. Granted, this is certainly a sugary sweet treat for morning time, but we are celebrating the holidays, after all! Keep that toothbrush and dental floss handy (so you can keep your prevention on track) and all will be well.
ALMOND PANCAKES WITH SOUR CHERRY SYRUP
INGREDIENTS
- 1/2 cup dried sweetened sour cherries
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup whole-wheat pastry flour
- 1/4 cup quick-cooking oats
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 2 cups lowfat buttermilk
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- Oil or butter, for greasing pan
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds, divided
- 1/2 cup nonfat plain Greek yogurt
PREPARATION
In a small saucepan, bring cherries, 1/2-cup water and cinnamon stick to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat; simmer 5 minutes. Stir in syrup; set aside to cool. In a bowl, whisk flours, oats, baking soda and salt. In another bowl, whisk eggs and buttermilk (and almond extract, if desired). Add wet ingredients to dry; stir batter until just combined. Heat a large nonstick pan over medium heat; brush with oil. Pour a scant 1/4-cup batter into pan; sprinkle with 1 1/2 teaspoons almonds. Cook pancake, flipping once, until golden brown, 2 minutes per side. Repeat with remaining batter. Serve pancakes with cherry syrup; top with a dollop of yogurt, if desired.
