Alone in the Kitchen with Pancakes
Left to my own devices, solo meals are hardly even noteworthy. Hummus and chips, or hummus and veggies show up on my personal menu almost very single day, an easy favorite by far. Couscous or rice served up with simple combinations of veg, beans, and spices always makes for a comforting dish, and it can practically cook itself, unattended. In times of stress and exhaustion though, it’s not such an uncommon event to eat cold cereal for dinner, or even just chips, hold the hummus. Satisfying in its own right but at the same time vaguely shameful, I almost never go through any great lengths preparing food if it’s only for myself.
Don’t get me wrong- Simplicity is the key to my daily chow and I wouldn’t have it any other way. The thing is, sometimes I’ll start craving something special, but without an occasion and no one to share it with, I’ll reason that it can wait for another day, because the hassle just isn’t worth it. But you know what? I decided the other day that maybe, just maybe, I’m worth it, and after a particularly draining week, I knew exactly what would cheer me up. So I went for it- I made pancakes.
Yes, pancakes. Simple enough that a 5 year old could make them no doubt, but just the act of heating up that pan, mixing together ingredients, and flipping the small cakes over as the sun beams down over the stove can be even more nurturing than the act of eat. Going out of your way to make yourself happy, make something you want… Well, that’s what I’d call comfort food. These particular pancakes are very straightforward, to the point of being plain, but that’s really the beauty of them. Versatility is the name of the game, and a myriad of fruits, nuts, flours, and fruit purees could call these pancakes home, so it’s impossible to get bored. You could even make them every day with no guilt; How’s that for a pick-me-up?
An impulsive decision lead me to make these, and thus there was no maple syrup to be found. A handful of frozen wild blueberries remedied that problem easily, and likewise, any sort of cut fruit or jam would also be delicious to top it all off.
Although I would have still prefer to have someone to share these gems with, it certainly was nice to treat myself for once.
Pancakes for One
1/2 Cup Flour
1 Teaspoon Baking Powder
1-2 Tablespoons Granulated Sugar
1/4 Teaspoon Pumpkin Pie Spice (Or any mixture you enjoy)
Pinch salt
1/2 Cup Soymilk
2 Tablespoons Fruit Puree (Apple sauce, mashed bananas, pumpkin…)
1 Teaspoon Canola Oil
Stir together all dry ingredients together in one bowl, and all wet in another. Add the wet into the dry and stir just enough to combine the two.
Lightly grease a skillet and turn up the heat to medium, making sure it has time to get hot before adding you batter. When ready, ladle dollops of the batter into your skillet and allow them to sit, undisturbed for 2 or 3 minutes, until bubbles erupt along the top and the edges seem to have firmed up a bit. Flip, and cook for another 2 or 3 minutes on the other side. Move to a plate, eat, and watch your mood miraculously improve.
(Makes about 4 small pancakes)
teeni said,
March 28, 2008 at 12:38 am
You ARE definitely worth it! I like simple meals like this myself. Your pancakes look delicious. I hope you enjoyed them. Sometimes a little solitude is a good thing. ;)
Wheeler's Frozen Desserts said,
March 28, 2008 at 12:55 am
Hi Hannah!
Hope you are doing well - Just wanted to pass on this information …
Boston Magazine recently published an article all about us this month - here is the link:
Oh Soy Tasty!
If you have a few minutes to spare, could do us a huge favor and read the article and comment at the bottom of the page? We’re very excited about getting such great press, especially from a magazine of this caliber. If everyone drops by and leaves a quick comment, soon there will be no doubt in any publisher’s mind: YES, readers absolutely do want to know about vegan happenings and developments. Please don’t hesitate to repost the article on your blog and spread the world!
Thanks!
Emily @ Wheeler’s Frozen Desserts
Nikki said,
March 28, 2008 at 1:12 am
You’re wonderful! I’m glad you made them for yourself.. we all need to take extra good care of ourselves every once in a while. Thanks for the recipe!
Gigi said,
March 28, 2008 at 1:37 am
I go through the same routine, very simple foods for myself. I agree we deserve something a little special just break up the everyday routine of life. Kudos to you for treating yourself to a nice meal!
Suganya said,
March 28, 2008 at 1:39 am
Beautiful pictures. The tie-and-die cloth complements the blueberries.
Teddy said,
March 28, 2008 at 1:59 am
Now that I’m single I’m SURE I’m worth the time and planning of great meals!
I’m 99.9% sure you are more than worth it too.. funny thing, i made pancakes for myself before work all last week b.c I decided I skip breakfast far too often :)
Mine were brown sugar and pecan with strawberry preserves on top. I took no pics though
teddy
didally said,
March 28, 2008 at 2:06 am
It’s simple and delicious. My hubby makes them for weekend breakfasts.
peabody said,
March 28, 2008 at 3:14 am
Pumpkin pie spice is a lovely touch.
Asmith said,
March 28, 2008 at 4:09 am
def making this tomorrow after class… or saturday… i’ve been working my ass off all week and got B on my test that the teacher was like this is really really really hard… i just decided to treat myself to passionfruit sorbet with dark chocolate sauce but this sounds yummy also i’ve been wondering what to do with all the slightly overripe bananas we have… and dammit we’re both worth it! have a good weekend!
Patricia Scarpin said,
March 28, 2008 at 8:54 am
I haven’t had pancakes in months, Hannah! These are delicious.
ashley 79 said,
March 28, 2008 at 9:21 am
I just had pancakes for breakfast this morning. If only I had seen your recipe before I ate! Oh well…..I’ll definitely remember your recipe next time I make pancakes just for myself. They look awesome!
jessica~ said,
March 28, 2008 at 12:04 pm
Those look fabulous. I am having my 5 year old niece over for a sleep over and I think we’ll make these tomorrow for breakfast. :) Oh, and I am making your mocha devastation cake this weekend for a friends birthday. I can’t wait to try it!!
Outdoors2 said,
March 28, 2008 at 12:38 pm
What a wonderful, delicious looking post.
vegyogini said,
March 28, 2008 at 12:56 pm
You are definitely worth it, Hannah! Thank you for the recipe; maybe I’ll decide that I’m worth the trouble of pancakes one day soon, too. :)
Hillary said,
March 28, 2008 at 3:57 pm
Those look so freakin’ good! I LOVE pancakes and will have to make these for myself. I wouldn’t be lonely with these! Is that crazy? Haha.
kate said,
March 28, 2008 at 5:00 pm
yum! i adore pancakes. they can make you feel decadent without being a lot of trouble to make.
melisser said,
March 28, 2008 at 5:14 pm
Oh yes, you ARE worth it, Hannah! Pancakes are always a tasty treat & yours look downright delicious.
Jess - The Domestic Vegan said,
March 28, 2008 at 6:49 pm
To echo the others, you ARE worth it! :) I totally know that feeling–why bother cooking when it’s just for one? But you’re absolutely right; sometimes it’s nice to treat yourself, especially after an especially stressful week. Your pictures are lovely, and I’m sure the pancakes were delish!
moose and bear said,
March 28, 2008 at 8:07 pm
I have to admit, I am known to eat chips, chips and salsa, or chips and hummous when eating for one. Or buying sushi. I always lose weight when my boyfriend is out of town because cooking for one seems such a waste. but these pancakes are beautiful!!!
VeggieGirl said,
March 28, 2008 at 10:18 pm
I agree - simple meals are IMPERATIVE for those of us with busy schedules; however, there’s always room for more elaborate, indulgent dishes such as pancakes :0) I LOVE how you made the recipe for one!! well done!!
Chelsea said,
March 28, 2008 at 10:27 pm
I love blueberries and pancakes :) I tagged you! Details are here
ruby red vegan said,
March 28, 2008 at 11:42 pm
You are so worth it! I love to wake up to whipping up a fancy breakfast for one - I think it’s really fun. (If you aren’t a morning person, though, I could see how this would be a problem…)
mamaranting said,
March 28, 2008 at 11:46 pm
They look so good! Pancakes are one of my favourite comfort foods to eat and cook. Waffles follow at a close second. Raspberries are always a good topping for pancakes when you’re syrup-less also!
Jesse said,
March 28, 2008 at 11:55 pm
Pancakes; Because you’re worth it.
mary said,
March 29, 2008 at 12:32 pm
yummy pancakes….i commend you for your motivation to cook for one. Since I have a hubby to make food for, it’s easier to stay motivated….when he is out of town? well, cereal , beans, and wraps are just about all I can do!
veganicat said,
March 29, 2008 at 6:42 pm
for fluffier pancakes try adding baking soda and vinegar, just a bit of each.
artninjabakeblog said,
March 29, 2008 at 7:26 pm
i’ll share them with you
jessica~ said,
March 29, 2008 at 9:03 pm
Had these this morning… delicious! I used mashed bananas for my fruit. Love this recipe - quick, easy and yummy!!!!
Ashley said,
March 30, 2008 at 3:49 pm
Beautiful photos! I agree that hummus and veggies is a great easy meal (though the hummus I make takes at least 30-45 minutes to make but it does make a lot).
Veronica said,
March 30, 2008 at 9:45 pm
Oh, were are mostly definitely worth time spent on ourselves.
I had an a pretty unbearable weak, but Friday your breakfast-for-dinner-pancakes-for-one forced me to make these for myself. Definitely cheered me up.
And yeah. Hummus-with-anything is the way to go for me most days.
Veronica said,
March 30, 2008 at 9:46 pm
Erm. Unbearable WEEK. Weak is how I felt with the bitch of a cold I had.
Ekio said,
March 31, 2008 at 11:53 am
I too don’t often cook much for myself when it’s just me. I’m cooking all day long for my two boys but I’m often not in the mood to munch on the last of the Mac and Cheese (If theres any left!) or a pb&j so I tend to move to my staple hummus and pita.
But pancakes make both the boys and I happy so when I get the urge I make them! I have used pumpkin spice mix before and love it, I also tend to use cinnamon, honey or champagne. when I’ve got it. Just to give them an extra kick.
The great thing about pancakes is….I can make a big batch, the boys and I have a yummy breakfast and they make great pb&j wraps for lunch! (he he, or hummus and a little fruit in mine ^-~ )
Vegan_Noodle said,
March 31, 2008 at 2:15 pm
I often just make pancakes for myself as well (john won’t eat them)…. perfect treat for a rough week. You deserve ‘em!
It Starts With Pancakes « Vegan Caliente said,
April 3, 2008 at 3:21 pm
[...] I made these a couple of mornings ago when we ran out of our usual breakfast staples. The recipe is from Bittersweet, one of my favorite vegan food/crafting blogs. It’s a very [...]
VeganCowGirl said,
April 5, 2008 at 12:16 pm
You are NEVER alone when you have pancakes…or any other really yummy food.
You rock!
GNewvegan said,
April 13, 2008 at 11:13 pm
I agree that definately pancakes are a comfort food worth enjoying.. I also made a vegan pancake recipe that I do enjoy when I have a craving.. And I enjoy every bite when the pancake bell goes off.. :)
http://www.invitationfrom-gnewvegan.blogspot.com/
Ryan T. said,
April 26, 2008 at 7:55 am
Made a 100% whole wheat version of these this morning using yeast and an overnight refrigerated fermentation. I added frozen blueberries and pecans and topped off with sugarcane syrup. Only one way to describe this breakfast on a terrible day…UPLIFTING DELICIOUSNESS!!! They were not too dense or chewy either. Thanks for the great recipe.