For those of you not familiar with the “Batali” name, Chef Mario Batali is a well-known chef and author. When his 50th birthday was approaching, his two sons wanted to get him something special so they decided to create a family cookbook for their dad. To create the book, they would call their dad, who was away on a working trip, and ask him how to cook their favorite recipes. The boys would cook it and their mom snapped pictures. A cousin helped them put the book together and Mario was thrilled with the gift, so much so that in May they published (on a larger scale), The Batali Brothers Cookbook. First of all, I loved this story and second of all, I was impressed with Leo (age 14) and Benno’s (age 16) idea. Because this was made for their dad, I flipped through it to find a dad-friendly breakfast for Father’s Day. This is the actual recipe, which I didn’t have to alter at all in order for it to come in at $10 or less (our price also includes 2 slices of bacon and 2 pieces of sausage in case dad likes some meat with his breakfast.) This entire meal for four came in at approximately $7.50. And if you have a dad who likes to cook, this cookbook would make a fabulous Father’s Day present “The Batali Brothers Cookbook With Additional Recipes For The Whole Family From Mario Batali“.
BROWN SUGAR PANCAKES
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Serves: 4 to 6 for approx. $7.50
Ingredients:
- 2 cups flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 pinch salt
- 2 cups milk *for extra-fluffy pancakes use buttermilk (which is what I did)
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted, plus more butter for the pan
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
Directions:
Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat. In a small bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, sugar and salt.
In a large bowl, whisk the milk and eggs. Whisk in the vanilla and the melted butter.
Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in three additions, whisking until smooth. (The batter will be thin.) Stir in 2 tablespoons brown sugar.
Melt some butter in the skillet. Using a ladle, pour some batter into the skillet, forming circles. Cook until the surface bubbles and the edges are browned, 1 to 2 minutes. Flip the pancakes and cook until browned on the bottom, about 30 seconds longer. Sprinkle with some of the remaining 1 tablespoon brown sugar. Repeat with the remaining batter and brown sugar.
Round out the meal with bacon, sausage, fruit or whatever dad likes for a perfect meal that says “I love you.”