A New School Year | Chocolate Pancakes

Tear.  Double Tear.  Full on Tears.

Today marks the beginning of a new school year in our house.  The kids are decked out in cute outfits, backpacks, and smiles a mile wide.  Me on the other hand, I'm a wreck.  These kids are growing up way to fast and I'm just not ready to accept that yet.  They are full on little people, ready to take on the world, make new friends, absorb as much knowledge as possible, and continue to amaze me with their kindness and humour.

So because today is a special one, I wanted to start it off with a breakfast the kids will remember.  Break out the pancake batter (a staple in our house),  sprinkle in some cocoa, orange extract and viola, you have pancakes worthy of the 'first day' of school.  Now this is brain food.

Best of luck L & R.  Hugs & Kisses aplenty.

LOVE MOM.

Chocolate Pancakes

Ingredients:
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
4 Tbsp sugar
2 tsp baking powder
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/4 tsp salt
2 eggs, beaten
1 cup buttermilk
1/4 tsp pure orange extract

strawberries, icing sugar, & maple syrup for serving


Method:
In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder and salt.
In separate bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, and orange extract.  Add to dry ingredients until just moistened.
Spoon batter in 1/3 cup portions onto lightly oiled griddle or pan. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, or until bubbles form on top and the underside is lightly browned.  Flip and cook for 1-2 minutes.
Keep pancakes warm in oven while repeating with remaining batter.
Serve warm with strawberries, icing sugar & maple syrup.

Yields:  approximately 7-8 pancakes
adapted from my birthday pancakes