Let's Talk Breakfast

I like breakfast foods that taste like they smell. I have always felt pancakes were so deceiving--they always smell way better than they taste. I have found 2 breakfast recipes that taste even better than they smell and trust me. These are so good.

Banana and Sour Cream Pancakes
from the Barefoot Contessa Family Style Cookbook
1 1/2 c. flour
3 T. sugar
2 t. baking powder
1 1/2 t. kosher salt
1/2 c. sour cream
3/4 c. plus 1 T milk
2 extra large eggs
1 t. vanilla extract
1 t. lemon zest
Unsalted butter
2 ripe bananas diced
Maple Syrup

In a medium bowl sift together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Whisk together the sour cream, milk, eggs, vanilla and lemon zest. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ones, mixing only until combined.
Add a spoon full of diced banana to each pancake right after you pour the batter into the pan.
* My mom swears that melted butter on the pancakes makes them taste so much better. I know all you people are health conscious but trust me, indulge! I have also made these pancakes without the banana's and they are really good.

French Toast
America's Test Kitchen Cookbook
1 large egg
2 T. butter melted
3/4 c. milk
2 t. vanilla
2 T. sugar
1/3 c. flour
1/4 t. salt
6-8 slices white bread

Heat a skillet over medium heat for 5 minutes. Meanwhile beat egg in shallow pan, whisk in melted butter, then milk & vanilla. Finally add sugar, flour, and salt. Continue beating until smooth.
Using this method the french toast takes a little bit longer to cook. They said 1 min. 45 sec. on side 1 and then 1 min. on side 2. It took me longer but my pan wasn't hot enough.

Magleby's Buttermilk Syrup
Ingredients:
1 stick butter
1 Cup sugar
1 Cup buttermilk
1 T. vanilla
1 T. corn syrup
½ tsp. baking soda

Bring first five ingredients to a boil.
Add in baking soda.
Boil for 10 seconds then remove from heat immediately to avoid boil over.
Serve over French toast, pancakes, crepes or any other yummy breakfast item.