Gluten Free Strawberry Pancakes... LOVERS

We're not much into the whole lovey-dovey Valentine's Day celebration, but if we were… These pancakes would hiss, spit and sizzle their way from a hot pan to our plates in no time.

Pancakes are fast becoming a favourite breakfast around our house. Byron can whip them up in a heart beat and I have been playing around with gluten free recipe variations for years. This recipe will produce lovely light, fluffy pancakes with soft, sweet red strawberries gently cooked into the top of each one.

When we cook breakfast, we love to listen to Play that Funky Music by Wild Cherry for some serious groovin' whilst we sift, whisk, pour and sizzle.

If you're familiar with the beat, you might be able to imagine two cheerful people in their pyjamas swinging their hips around the kitchen whilst a tiny chocolate coloured dog bounces between them, yapping happily.

Just remember to put the whisk down between dance solos… Otherwise things can get preeeeetttty messy, much to Coco's delight...

Gluten Free Strawberry Pancakes

Serves 4

1 1/4 cup gluten-free self raising flour
2 tsp gluten-free baking powder
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp (pinch) salt
250ml (1 cup) organic milk
2 free range eggs
2 tsp pure maple syrup
1 tsp vanilla extract
Melted butter, to grease
250g punnet of organic fresh strawberries

Sift together flour, baking powder, cinnamon and salt into a mixing bowl. Stir to mix thoroughly and form a well in the centre.

In a separate bowl, add milk, eggs, maple syrup and vanilla extract. Whisk gently to combine, then slowly pour into the well of the dry ingredients, whisking to create a smooth batter. Add an extra splash of milk if too thick.

Rinse and slice (5mm thick) strawberries, lengthways.

Heat a griddle or large pan over medium heat, melt a dollop of butter in the pan. Pour batter into pan in small batches, approximately 1/4 cup of batter for each pancake. Press several slices of fresh strawberries into each pancake. When bubbles begin to form and burst, flip pancakes and cook until slightly golden on both sides.

Serve immediately with your choice of topping: Maple syrup, strawberry yoghurt with fresh mint, cinnamon apples, fresh fruit and honey are some seriously funky sweet options.

These pancakes can be frozen or refrigerated for later if there is a surplus.

Lazy morning pancakes are the best so play that funky music and get your groove on!

Bella xx

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A Garden Helper

On overhearing the gentle thud of a passionfruit falling from the vine, Coco alerted me to collect the fruit and was confused as to why I took the strange ball away from her.

This week it we've been gardening, mowing and generally giving back to the small piece of land on which we live. Our worms are growing, digesting our vegetable scraps and I have been surprised to discover the fruit and veges that have truly flourished this season are those we didn't actually plant. The passionfruit vine was here before we moved in and the choko vine presumably grew from the compost. There are no complaints! Our neighbours benefit from the abundant fruit growing from the beautiful vines along our fence and we swap herbs, gardening tips and laughter over the tall wooden barrier at the edge of our property.

I may not be the poster girl for gardening but my heart is in it for the long run. So long as the sun continues to shine, the rain continues to fall and I have my best friend by my side, the land will give back by the basketful.

What are you currently planting? What have been your gardening failures? Have you had any success with crops or vegetables in your plot? Do you live on a farm or do you only have space for a tiny herb garden on your windowsill? Have you had any unusual plants growing that you wonder where they came from?

I'd love to hear from you and hope the sun shines bright, the earth is rich and fruits of your labour are delicious!

Bella xx

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