It's hay season, and horses eat hay. Lots of it- especially in the winter time. First cutting hay is the early hay. Once it's ready, it means that at any time during the early summer weeks in Northern Michigan, your hay farmer might call and say " I've got 200 bales of hay ready. I'll be dropping it off later today." So, you look around, see who've got. Try to feed them a really northern Michigan nourishing breakfast and wait for the hay truck.
Northern Michigan in the first part of July is warmth, colorful summer flowers, cherries of course. But, blueberries too. I love the simplicity of this recipe. It's quite nourishing, and of course you can add nuts and protein powder and all sorts of things to make this blueberry pancake standout carry your own signature.
If you are unfamiliar with Meijer's Malted Pancake Mix, it's a really good store brand- not organic but not unhealthy either. And you add your own eggs, buttermilk, vanilla, blueberries- and for a pancake mix, that's just fine for me. The delicious malty flavor works so nicely with the blueberries. If you happen to have some fresh whip cream on hand, well, you can make something very memorable out of this simple recipe. I always have frozen berries on hand too. Ones that I picked last year, along with this years fresh berries. Take it to another level by adding some unsalted butter and pure Michigan Maple syrup. I can save time preparing with a mix and still create an exceptional and generous breakfast. Fit for a Princess!- you know what I'm talking about, right Em?
Emily and her boyfriend Nick are hanging around Traverse City for the weekend. Little did they know that they would be helping Aunt Beryl out at the farm. But, they were up for it. Everyone loves the northern Michigan vibe and it's always fun at the barn. Since Em was a kid, I've been feeding her Aunt Beryl's most incredible Blueberry Pancakes on special occasions. So, that's the breakfast for today. Simple and I love to make it special too. Fresh local blueberries from Buchann's U-Pick. Maybe with some flowers. Bacon. Sounds too good to be true, but it's Northern Michigan and I've got all of those things on hand!
Unloading starts just after we ride Sterling. With everyone powered up on carbohydrates, the work can start. Wendy's in charge of our group so she'll direct the show and I realize those pancakes are doing their job!
It all started with a good and hearty breakfast. Of course, fresh warm maple syrup on top of whip cream makes it all practically irresistible, especially for hungry teenagers that stay up late at night. Wildflower bouquets from my Meadowlark CSA adorn my summer table.
I love a pretty table.
Aunt Beryl's Amazing Blueberry Pancakes
2 1/2 Cups Meijer Malted Pancake Mix
2 farm fresh eggs
1/3 cup Canola oil
1 cup fresh Buttermilk
1/2- 2/3 cup of Water (Pure Michigan!)
1 tsp. Vanilla
2 cups fresh blueberries
- Preheat griddle to low-medium heat. Griddle is ready when a drop of water sizzle and disappear.
- Combine eggs, oil, water, vanilla and buttermilk
- Add mix. Blend with fork until nearly smooth
- Add fresh blueberries and fold in
- Bake on hot and lightly oiled griddle. 1/4 cup of mix with blueberries per pancake. Turn once pancake when bubbles and edges begin to dry.
Top with fresh whip cream and Maple syrup from Michigan and you have a real tasty treat. It's the perfect thing for a fill me up breakfast. If you have chores, and guests! - Well this breakfast works wonders!!
