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It’s more than just making pancakes, as you will see. |
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She still stands on her stool to cook her pancakes. |
One time (we chuckle about this incident many times over) when early on and we first started making pancakes together, I had just let her dump the teaspoon of vanilla in the mixture when I thought, Wow, she has never tasted vanilla, so I asked her if she wanted to taste it. “This is vanilla, the flavoring for vanilla ice cream. Want to taste it? “ Of course, she said yes. So in the measuring spoon, I poured some and told her, “Put your finger in and taste.” Almost simultaneously, we placed our finger to our tongue, and both of us made a nasty face. “Oh my gosh, Avah, that’s nasty!” I sputtered. “Yeah, that’s awful. I don’t like it.” I poured the remaining bottle of vanilla down the sink drain. It was so old it now tasted like vinegar. I looked at the bottle. It was many years old. VERY OLD! Note to self: check your cupboards for old baking goods.
This week, we remembered the incident and gladly dipped our finger in the vanilla, both agreeing it tasted good!
Today, she asks for blueberry syrup, and we have even made syrup with fresh blueberries together on the stovetop. I didn’t have any, so she settled for Hungry Jack maple —not fond of my real maple syrup. And we three sit down to a wonderful Avah day pancake breakfast.
So Here’s the thing: At the table, I smile as we three share our ritualistic breakfast. I know it’s more than just pancakes for breakfast. Perhaps you recall a memory of your own at your grandparents’ home that you enjoyed when you stayed with them. I know someday she’ll be sharing this with one of her grandchildren because I planted the seed. It may not be pancakes; it may be cookie baking or brownie making. I know, like postcards, she is tucking those memories away in her memory book just like I am. I’ve said it before, and I’ll repeat it: “Grandchildren are a breath of fresh air.” Breathe deeply. Take Joy!
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We have made blueberry syrup together. Papaw likes sausage or bacon with his pancakes! |
Avah’s Pancake Recipe
1 Egg; 1 Cup Milk plus 1 tsp of vinegar (creates the same as using buttermilk) 2 Tbsp Oil; 1 Cup plus 2 Tbsp Flour; 1 Tbsp sugar; 2 Tsp Baking Powder; 1 tsp soda; 1.2 tsp salt; 1 tsp Vanilla.
Blend all and have griddle heating in the meantime. Flick your wet fingers on the lightly oiled griddle. (We don’t use sprays.) It will sizzle when ready for pancakes! Enjoy
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