Black & Blue Pancakes With Krusteaz

My family loves breakfast! Every other weekend we go to breakfast together. My husband likes scrambled eggs, my daughter likes biscuits. My son, he is a sausage guy. Me? I like runny eggs and toast. But there is one food we can all agree on. And it is not uncommon for me to make a huge batch of pancakes on a whim and feed them to my family as breakfast, lunch or dinner, or sometimes a combination of the three.

This week has been a very busy one. So busy in fact that I have not made it to the grocery store yet. After looking in an empty refrigerator and an empty freezer I considered my options... We could order out. But we do pizza way too often...

I had a few boxes of Krusteaz Pancake and Waffle Mixes in my cabinet. On a whim I came up with a delicious pancake that was as easy to make as 1,2,3.

Black & Blue Pancakes

2 cups of Krusteaz Blueberry Pancake Mix
1/2 cup of crushed black walnuts
1 cup of water
1/3 cup of milk


Mix ingredients well. Let the batter rest for about 10 minutes. 
Heat your griddle to 325 degrees. Spray with cooking spray.

Pour 1/4 cup portions of batter onto the griddle.
Flip when the bubbling of the batter slows.
Cook for an additional minute.
Serve warm, with butter and your choice of syrup.





My family really liked these fluffy, nutty, fruity pancakes! This recipe is a keeper. My husband liked the strong nutty flavor that black walnuts offer, but if you do not like the intense flavor of black walnut, feel free to use regular walnuts, finely chopped. With the walnuts falling from trees right now this is a great time to pin this recipe for a great future breakfast.

If you feel lucky enter to win a great breakfast pack from Krusteaz! One lucky reader will win:
Buttermilk Pancake Mix (1), Blueberry Pancake Mix (1), Belgian Waffle Mix (1) and Wild Blueberry Muffin Mix (1) as well as Krusteaz coupons for free product.


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Red Velvet Pancakes with Cream Cheese Frosting

This red velvet pancake recipe is nothing short of decadent. Light and fluffy but packed with the flavor of my a favorite cake, these are even better than the IHOP version!

Pancakes are a perfect start to the day because they are easy to make, they are economical and they are delicious! This recipe is perfect for occasions like Valentine's Day but also they are a go to recipe anytime you need a scrumptious start to the day!

Ingredients

Pancakes

2 cups Original Bisquick mix
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 1/2 tablespoon unsweetened baking cocoa
1cup milk
1 1/2 teaspoons red food color
2eggs

Cream Cheese Topping

4 oz cream cheese softened
1/4 cup butter softened
3 tablespoons milk
2 cups powdered sugar

In medium bowl, beat cream cheese, butter and 3 tablespoons milk with electric mixer on low speed until smooth. Gradually beat in 2 cups powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, on low speed until topping is smooth. Cover; set aside.

In large bowl, stir all pancake ingredients except powdered sugar with wire whisk until well blended. Heat griddle or skillet over medium-high heat (375°F).  Spray with cooking spray before heating.

For each pancake, pour  1/4 cup batter onto hot griddle.

Cook 2 to 3 minutes or until bubbles form on top and edges are dry. Turn; cook other side until golden brown.

Spoon cream cheese topping into resealable food-storage plastic bag; seal bag. Cut off tiny corner of bag; squeeze bag to drizzle topping over pancakes.

Garnish with raspberries or strawberries if desired.


You also might like these pancake recipes:

Confetti Pancakes
ABC Pancakes

Easy Banana Pancakes

We love Post cereal in my home. We are thrilled to have the chance to share another recipe on their behalf with you!

Easy Banana Pancakes

Ingredients

• 1 egg
• 3/4 cup milk
• 2 Tbsp. oil
• 1 cup pancake and waffle mix
• 1 cup Great Grains Banana Nut Crunch Cereal
• 2 Tbsp. powdered sugar

Directions

1. Beat egg with milk and oil in large bowl with wire whisk until well blended. Add pancake mix; beat until well blended. Stir in cereal. Let stand 5 minutes.
2. Ladle batter onto hot griddle or into hot skillet, using 1/4 cup batter for each pancake. Cook until bubbles form on tops, then turn over to brown other sides.
3. Sprinkle with powdered sugar.

Fruttata Banana Pancakes

My son Roo is on a kick where he will eat nothing but pancakes. Seriously. Nothing but pancakes! So when my pals at Fruttata sent me this recipe I knew we had to try it to bring a little something to the daily pancakes that my son insists on eating.

I loved that I could add something nutritious to his favorite food and jazz them up a little. He was not thrilled with the idea of bananas being added in, but when he realized I wasn't making a second batch of plain ones he ate them. 

Fruttata Banana Pancakes

Ingredients

• 1.5 cups flour
• 3.5 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 3 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1 egg
• 1.25 cups milk
• cooking spray
• .36 oz bag of Fruttata Banana crisps freeze dried fruit

Directions

• Sift together flour, baking powder and sugar in a large bowl.
• Whisk in melted butter, egg, and milk until combined. Let batter rest 5 minutes.
• Preheat large skillet over medium heat. Spray with cooking spray.
• Pour batter into skillet, 1/4 cup of batter each pancake.
• Cook 2-3 minutes.
•  Flip and add contents of dried fruit bag chopped into smaller desired pieces.
• Cook until golden, about 1-2 minutes

Do you have a favorite fruit pancake recipe? I would love to hear about it.

Awesome Homemade Pancakes

This is such an easy and tasty recipe for fluffy, old fashioned pancakes. They have a rich flavor thanks to the addition of brown sugar and come out so fluffy and irresistible.

Please pin this recipe to your breakfast board, of share it on social media.

My kids would have pancakes for breakfast every morning if I had the time to make them! When they have a 2 hour delay for school, I like to start the day off on a sweet note with this homemade pancake recipe. You can double the recipe and freeze the leftovers between sheets of parchment paper for an easy to pop in the microwave breakfast for busy days too.

I like to top mine with bananas and crushed walnuts. One of my kids goes with liberal butter and syrup, and my other kid loves them plain. Top them however you like. Enjoy them golden brown and warm for the best flavor.

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
3 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon light brown sugar
1 1/4 cups milk
1 egg
4 tablespoons butter, melted

Directions
Mix together dry ingredients.
Add milk, butter and egg.
Mix well.
Allow to rest for 15 minutes in the fridge.
Heat a griddle or skillet on medium high heat.
Butter the cooking surface and spoon pancakes.
Flip when they stop bubbling and are golden brown.

Find all of my pancake recipes here.
Reader favorites include:
Red Velvet Pancakes
Confetti Pancakes

ABC Pancakes with Krusteaz

Thanks to Krusteaz for hooking us up with yummy mixes!

My 4 year old is going through a phase... the phase of "I don't like it..." He refuses to eat everything from yogurt to chicken, to crackers and fruits, he doesn't like anything except pancakes. So I make a ton of pancakes these days.

I have been making my sons food of choice into a fun learning experience, because face it, food should be fun to prepare and eat.

Krusteaz was kind enough to send us Honey Wheat Pancake Mix. {This stuff is so good! No wonder the kid wants to only eat pancakes!} and I got busy in the kitchen making pancakes for Roo that offered him a yummy breakfast and a chance to practice his ABC's.

I followed the directions on the package and created a batter.

Using a squeeze bottle I wrote letters on the hot griddle.

 After about 30 seconds I added a scoop of batter to the top of each letter and allowed them to cook as normal.

This created letter pancakes for the kids.

My son really liked telling us about the letter he was eating, this included letter sounds, who has a name that starts with a letter and son on.

Breakfast, lunch and sometimes dinner too, Krusteaz pancake mixes make a delicious option for my family. My son is a huge fan! I am too because I can make a huge batch and freeze them for a quick breakfast during the week to the delight of my family.

Savory Recipes Made with Soda

 

We've all been there: you open a bottle of soda, enjoy a refreshing sip, but life gets busy and it ends up languishing in the fridge, flat and forgotten. But before you send it down the drain, hold on! That "dead" soda holds hidden potential, and it's not just for baking cakes. Let's ditch the waste and get creative with some surprising savory uses for your leftover soda.

Beyond the Sweet:

Gone are the days of relegating soda to sugary treats. Its acidity, subtle sweetness, and unique carbonation can actually add incredible depth and complexity to savory dishes. Here are just a few ideas to get you started:

• Glaze your meats: Flat cola makes a fantastic glaze for ribs, chicken wings, or pork chops. The sugars caramelize beautifully, creating a sticky, sweet-and-tangy coating that intensifies flavor.
• Deglaze your pan: Stuck-on bits on your pan are no match for the power of leftover soda. Use it to deglaze after sautéing or searing, creating a flavorful pan sauce that captures all those delicious caramelized bits.
• Marinate your tofu or tempeh: The acidity in soda makes it a surprisingly effective marinade for plant-based proteins. Try ginger ale for a slightly sweet and spicy kick, or club soda for a clean, refreshing flavor.
• Braise your veggies: Don't underestimate the power of flat soda in braising! It adds a touch of sweetness and acidity that balances out the richness of root vegetables, like carrots or onions, creating a complex and satisfying dish.
• Boost your soup: Give your next pot of soup a flavor boost with a splash of leftover soda. Club soda adds a subtle effervescence, while ginger ale or root beer can lend unique depth and spice.

The "Fizz"-tastic Factor:

Remember, even flat soda still retains some carbonation, which can play a fun role in your cooking. Here are some ways to leverage its bubbly potential:

• Make fluffy pancakes: Leftover soda, especially seltzer or club soda, can be used instead of milk or water in your pancake batter. The carbonation creates lighter, fluffier pancakes with a delightful texture.
• Whip up airy fritters: The same principle applies to fritters! Use flat soda in your batter for crispy, light, and airy fritters that everyone will love.
• Create a fun fizzy garnish: Don't just drink the remaining soda, use it as a playful garnish! Drizzle a small amount of flat soda over savory dishes like salads, tacos, or even grilled cheese for a surprising burst of flavor and texture.

Get Creative and Explore:

These are just a few starting points. Don't be afraid to experiment and discover your own unique uses for leftover soda! Remember, cooking is all about having fun and exploring new flavors. So next time you find yourself with a can of flat soda, don't despair, get creative, and turn it into a delicious and unexpected culinary adventure!

Here are some of my favorite recipes that use leftover soda. Click thru the links to view the full recipe.

Dr. Pepper Slow Cooker Ribs by The Magical Slow Cooker

Coca Cola Pork Carnita by 24 Byte

Cola Marinated Steak by Slow the Cook Down

Crock Pot Coke Meatballs by Crayons and Cravings

Dr. Pepper Baked Beans by Sugar and Soul

Dr. Pepper Pork Loin by Kitchen Laughter

Instant Pot Pork Rio Sweet Pork by Eating in an Instant

Brown Sugar and Coke Glazed Ham by When is Dinner

Crock Pot Dr. Pepper Ribs by Two Pink Peonies

Root Beer Smoked Ribs by Crave the Good

Find more great soda recipes here:

Homemade Strawberry Peach Soda

Strawberry Soda Syrup

Homemade Soda Recipes

Cocoa Puff French Toast

Cocoa Puff French Toast

I guess breakfast is kind of my thing. I sure make a lot of breakfast for dinner meals! The number of pancake pics on my phone is mind boggling. There is just something about breakfast that I seem to romanticize... maybe because I rarely sit down to eat a hot breakfast? 

A few weeks ago I had an idea that maybe I could make french toast even yummier by adding a little crunch to my recipe! The results were fun, delicious and a crowd pleaser!

My entire family liked this version of French Toast. After trying this out I have plans to try dipping french toast into a a variety of flavors of cereal too!

My french toast recipe is simple.

Ingredients

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

2 tablespoons sugar

4 tablespoons butter

4 eggs

1/4 cup milk

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

10 slices white bread

1 cup crushed cocoa puffs

Instructions

In a small bowl, combine, cinnamon, nutmeg, and sugar and set aside briefly.

In a 10-inch / 12-inch skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Mix together cinnamon mixture, eggs, milk, and vanilla and pour into a shallow container such as a pie pan. Dip bread in egg mixture. Then dip into the crushed cocoa puffs. Fry slices for about 3 minutes  then flip to cook the other side. Serve with syrup or whipped cream!

Technogel Anatomic Pillow Review

As a pregnant woman, I have developed a strange relationship with sleep. I long for it, I chase it. I feel like I could sleep a few extra hours a night and I need a nap daily. In reality, when I fall asleep, I can't stay asleep. I toss, I turn, I am uncomfortable. I want to sleep on my belly. My pillow gets too hot, I don't have enough pillows, or I have too many pillows.

After several weeks of fighting to sleep well, I started shopping around for a new pillow. I realized that a pillow is an investment in myself. If I have a great pillow, a great nights sleep isn't far away. I had never given much thought to pillows before. I assumed that if it was soft it would do the trick. Then I got a lesson in Pillow Education when I learned about Technogel® Sleeping. Boy, I was all wrong about pillows!

Technogel® Pillows are different from something you might buy in a big box store on many levels. Please let me tell you a little bit about Technogel® Pillows.

Imagine sleeping on a gel filled pillow... what does it feel like? How is it different?Why is it better?

These pillows are different in many ways. A Technogel® Pillow molds to your unique form, the gel inside deforms in a 3D manner, meaning that pressure peaks are reduced and blood circulation improves. The pressure your body applies to the pillow is distributed evenly over the entire surface.

A Technogel® Pillow feels different than a foam or memory foam pillow, naturally as the material is not the same, but a Technogel® Pillow is really different in the sense that it keeps you cooler. The heat of your body is dispersed which results in a surface temperature of 3.5 degrees cooler than other pillows. Take my word on this, that is a huge difference. I used to wake up and flip or switch pillows several times a night when I was sleeping on a foam filled pillow.  In the several weeks I have been sleeping with a Technogel® Pillow I have not needed to wake up and flip or switch my pillow- not one time! Comfortable temperatures are crucial to sleep. The unique thermal properties of a Technogel® Pillow are amazing for a sleeping body, the ventilation provided by the open air channels of a Technogel® Pillow make sleeping better than ever.

I have heard that it is important to change your pillows every 18 months, due to the breakdown of material, and the manifestation of bacteria within a foam pillow. In reality, 18 months can seem like a long time to maintain a relationship with a pillow that loses shape or becomes flat. A Technogel® Pillow is free from the volatile agents that lead to disaggregation. This brand of pillows will not change with use. It doesn't get hard, it doesn't become flat, it doesn't get super soft. It remains true to form with nightly use.

I was curious. I bought a pillow at WalMart to begin using the same day that my Technogel® Anatomical Pillow arrived. I used the WalMart pillow for lounging on the sofa in the evening and my Technogel® remains in my bed. Within 3 weeks the WalMart pillow has lost its shape completely. It is as flat as a pancake. It has no support to it, no softness, just some stuffing that has no elasticity. I used this pillow no more than 2 hours a night for 3 weeks. My Technogel® Pillow is used for 5 hours a night at a minimum. How has it held up? It is exactly the same as it was the day I began to use it.

Now that you know a little bit about Technogel® Pillows, lets talk about what it has been like sleeping with this pillow.

I did my research. I read other reviews, I wanted to know what other people thought of their Technogel® pillow. I read some people saying it was hard to adjust to, but I have to state for the record, the first night I slept with this pillow, I slept better than I had in years. I felt like I was sleeping the sleep of angels. I loved that my pillow was cool, it was firm, yet soft. It was unlike any other pillow I had ever used. There was no period of adjustment for me.

I have slept better since I started using a Technogel® Anatomical Pillow. I don't wake up every hour anymore. I feel comfortable when I am laying down. I don't need 5 pillows anymore. Just my Technogel®.

My son co sleeps with me. He is 3, and he is smart! He insists that we share the pillow, he loves it too. Every morning I wake up face to face with my son, as he scoots over during the night and claims his spot on the Technogel® Anatomical Pillow. My dog also tries to steal this pillow from us at night, it is that comfortable that the spoiled dog feels that other pillows just don't live up to his need for comfort.

I had to sleep with a regular old bed pillow for a few nights last week. I was miserable. I woke up 3 mornings in a row with unbearable neck and back pain from using a standard pillow. I whimpered and whined as I longed for my Technogel® Anatomic Pillow. I am completely sold on this brand. The science of a good night sleep has influenced the design of the Technogel® line of products to such an extent that I would not hesitate to call the people behind this line of products the Sleep Masters.

While a Technogel® Pillow is going to cost you more than something you can grab at Target or WalMart, it is an investment in you, in your health, in your comfort level. You are worth the investment! You will feel better, sleep better and feel different when you wake up after using a Technogel® Pillow. To find a retailer near you visit the dealer locator. You owe it to yourself to learn more and consider upgrading your pillow for the ultimate sleep experience.



Sleep Redefined. What a perfect motto for this company!
To learn more please connect with Technogel.
Website