Fall in Jersey - Apple Cinnamon Pancakes
What could be more heavenly, than a stack of warm, hearty, homemade pancakes on a cool, crisp, fall morning. Probably not much. Especially if they are made using 100% whole wheat flour, and some chopped apple from apples that you picked yourself! Yes, that's right! Picked yourself! It may sound very old fashioned, but believe me, it is very satisfying to go apple picking, and then bring those very apples home, and make something homemade with them.
There is nothing quite like apple picking here in Jersey. With the crisp, cool, fall air, and the bright hues of red, orange, yellow and green against a perfectly blue sky, well, it can just take your breath away. And the taste of a crisp, sweet, Red Delicious apple, or a crisp, tart Winesap right from the tree, is as fresh and delicious as it gets! Plus, apple picking with the kiddos is such a fun, family event. The kids learn where their food comes from, they learn how to pick the apples, everyone is out in the fresh air and sunshine, and it is such a bonding, family time.
My grandson enjoying picking apples. He loves Red Delicious
Apple picking in Jersey starts in late August, and goes all the way to the end of October, with the peak times being the beginning of September, running to mid October. Different apple varieties will determine picking times because they ripen at different times. Here in south Jersey, we have some wonderful apple orchards for families to go and pick, and just have a great time. Four of my favorites are: Terhune Orchards, Johnson's Corner Farm, Duffield's Farm, and Hill Creek Farms. Make sure to call ahead for availability.
my grandson Benjamin enjoying apple picking with us
Once you get those apples home, if you like pancakes, I think you will thoroughly enjoy my Apple Cinnamon Pancakes. When I make them, I like to use 100% whole wheat flour. But you can also use unbleached all-purpose flour. It is totally up to you. The measurements would be the same. Also, if you would like your pancakes a little less sweet, use un-sweetened apple sauce. But I use the sweetened apple sauce. Also, you may want to double the recipe if you have a whole family to feed, as this does not make a lot of pancakes. Maybe 6 regular sized pancakes.
What you will need: 1 and 1/4 cups of 100% whole wheat flour - 2 Tbsps. of sugar - 2 tsps. of baking powder - 1/4 tsp of salt - 1 and 1/2 tsps. of cinnamon - 1 cup of milk - 1/2 cup of applesauce - 1 egg - 2 Tbsps. of melted butter - 1 apple (such as Red Delicious) peeled, and chopped fine.
What to do: In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, salt and cinnamon. In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, applesauce, egg and melted butter. Pour the wet ingredients in with the dry ingredients, and whisk just until combined. Do not over mix, or your pancakes will be thin and tough. Stir in the chopped apple. Heat skillet or griddle over medium heat and add 1 Tbsp. of butter for greasing. Once melted, add about 1/3 of a cup of batter for each pancake. Do not attempt to flip your pancakes until air bubbles have appeared on the tops of the pancakes, and the edges look a little browned. Then flip and cook until the other side is browned. These pancakes are a wonderful, hearty breakfast served up with some added butter, pure maple syrup, and maybe some sausage links. mmm, mmm, mmm. I hope you enjoy them as much as we do.
