Breakfast Treat

Sweet with savoury for breakfast, that shouldn't work. When I first came across this combination on holiday in the states I had my doubts, but was instantly converted and over the years when friends and family have come to visit this has become a firm favourite. Not a day to day option, but a wonderful occasional treat. I am sure you could create a healthier version but what's the point?

There are a few of key factors that make this dish great. Firstly pancakes are not the English lemon and sugar variety or a French crepe but big fluffy pillows to soak up all that butter and syrup. Secondly crispy streaky unsmoked bacon is essential. I have also recently started using buttermilk in stead of milk and the very slightly creamy tang makes a big difference to the flavour and also seems to make the pancakes fluffier. You could probably put a spoon of yoghurt in the milk if you didn't have buttermilk but it is widely available at most supermarkets.

I've tried different recipes over the years, but this is my current favourite. The batter is quite forgiving but dont be tempted to make it too thin, custard thick is about right. I also add a tablespoon of sugar and a little vanilla.

125g plain flour
tiny pinch of salt
1 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda
1 egg
250ml buttermilk
50g butter, melted

Preheat and lightly grease a large frying pan. Drop 5 tablespoons (75ml) of the batter onto the pan, spreading lightly with the bottom of the spoon. Cook until lightly-browned on each side, 1 to 2 minutes per side.

When you see bubbles on the top and the pancake starting to crisp a little on the sides flip it over.

Ideally serve with real maple syrup but golden syrup is fine.

Actually when you think about it this combination works because like Asian cooking we have come to love it has elements of sweet, sour (the buttermilk) and salty. No hot but being a bit of chilli freak I am sure a little chilli would work. Maybe that's just me.

Enjoy you have nothing to regret but your waistline. Its a pretty filling late breakfast or brunch so should keep you going most of the day, so in fact it is a diet meal :)