German or Swedish Pancakes

Last weekend I came across this pin from a new blog that I have enjoyed reading through.  Not sure how her pancake cups came out so lovely and didn't shrink down like mine did.  

http://realmomkitchen.com/489/mini-german-pancakes/

                                                

The recipe was just like one Steve got from his mom for Swedish Pancakes, which he has always really enjoyed but we rarely make.  I decided to surprise him Sunday morning with breakfast in bed.  Of course mine didn't look as good as the original pic, but they tasted great.  I opted to make a peach and cinnamon topping vs. the one in the recipe of triple berries since Steve likes that better. 

When these bake, they puff up just like a popover.  Pretty cool to watch. 

Breakfast was a hit!Breakfast was a hit!

Breakfast was a hit!

Heading to a Cinco de Mayo festival tomorrow in town.  Should be some great food.  Next week for Mother's day, and Steve's birthday, (although it is now called, The Day that doesn't get mentioned.) we are going up north to see our moms.  Should hopefully have some good stories to pass along.  

Just in case I don't get back here next week, Happy Mother's Day!!!

A little of this, a little of that

I have come to realize that this blogging thing is certainly something that will not get done daily, or maybe even weekly.  I figure, when I have something to write about or share, I will.  And hopefully it will be worth the read. 

The last few weeks seems to have gone by in a blur.  We have gone on a few mini drives, mainly to beat the heat.  Did a little baking, which less be real, is all I ever do.  Also finally got my garden in but that one is for another day.  (Everything is just starting to grow, for those that started from seeds, or is too small to generate much conversation.)

May is here, school is winding down for my son, and summer is fast approaching.  Starting to think of what will fill the long warm days ahead. April was longer than normal, but here are a few pics of Ojai, a lovely valley in Ventura County.

 I lived there when I was younger, really only a few years, and yet every time I visit, I am struck by such a feeling of comfort and peace.

 Everything is in bloom, and if you have ever been there, the smell of orange blossoms hang in the air as you drive through and you can't help of breath it all in and smile.

After coming home from Ojai we went to a few fruit stands and a tray of fresh strawberries ended up coming home with us.  How dd that happen.  So of course I had to make Fresh Strawberry Pie.  

A bit of background.  Back in November I went through a pie crust phase.  Trying to find the one that would turn out the best for what Steve likes.  (Elijah isn't much of a pie eater.  Steve, absolutely loves Marie Calendar's.) 

I came across this recipe awhile ago for a very close duplicate to a Marie Callender's Pie Crust. Marie Callender's Pie Crust 

This has butter and shortening as well as a mixture of Cake ad All Purpose Flour.  A few more ingredients than others I have come across, but worth the time.

Don't be afraid of the vinegar if you have never used that in a crust before.  I have a few variations on this and the vinegar tends to be a common theme in German styles as well. 

The key for me is chilling and patience!  Chill the ingredients, chill before rolling, chill after rolling and in the pie pan, chill, chill, chill.  Makes all the difference.  Nothing like flash baking your crust and if slumps down and is not useable.

I then made a simple syrup with corn starch and mixed in my fresh berries and topped with whipped cream.  So yummy!  I had left over crust and made Elijah a min Vanilla Pudding pie and Steve a mini Chocolate Pudding pie too.  I went a little crazy, I am secure enough to admit it.

Coming next, Mini German Pancakes.  Stay tuned...