Getting ready for Mother's Day on CHIN TV

Today my family and I had a fabulous time on Festivale di Johnny Lombardi showcasing a Mother's Day breakfast or brunch treat the kids can make on their own or the whole family can join in! 

Top them with your favourite sweet or savoury topping and surprise mom in bed with these super tasty and light waffles! (or easily pancakes if you don't have a waffle iron)

Buttermilk Pancakes or Waffles

Pancakes or waffles are a go-to recipe for family togetherness. They’re often one of the first meals kids learn to help with. Top them with fruit, scrambled eggs and bacon or leftover chili-yes really! They will all be great choices so create your own breakfast bar topping ideas.

1-1/2 cups (375 mL) all-purpose flour

3 tbsp (45 mL) granulated sugar

2 tsp (10 mL) baking powder

1 tsp (5 mL) baking soda

1/4 tsp (1 mL) salt

1 large egg

1-3/4 cups (425 mL) buttermilk

2 tbsp (30 mL) canola oil

2 tsp (10 mL) vanilla 1

Nonstick cooking spray or canola oil

In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt. In a medium bowl, whisk together egg, buttermilk, oil and vanilla. Pour egg mixture over flour mixture and whisk until combined but still slightly lumpy.

Spray a large nonstick skillet or griddle with cooking spray and heat over medium-high heat. For each pancake, pour about 1/4 cup (60 mL) batter onto skillet and spread out slightly. Cook for about 3 minutes or until bubbles begin to appear on top. Flip pancakes over and cook for 1 minute or until golden brown. Alternatively, ladle about 1/2 cup (125 mL) of batter into waffle iron and use as per manufacturer’s instructions.

Transfer pancakes to a plate. Repeat with the remaining batter, spraying pan and adjusting heat as needed between batches. 

Makes about 14 pancakes or 6 to 8 waffles.

Tip: Customize your pancakes by sprinkling chocolate chips, dried fruit or chopped nuts over the batter after you spread it out in the pan. Or try a dried fruit and nut trail mix.

No buttermilk? No problem, stir in 5 tsp (25 mL) lemon juice or white vinegar into milk to use in the recipe. Or use regular yogurt instead of buttermilk. 

Marble Variation: For a fun contrast in color and flavor, divide the batter into two bowls and add 2 tbsp (30 mL) unsweetened cocoa powder to one portion. Swirl the batters together for a creative marbled look.

Bananas Foster Topping: Melt 1/4 cup (60 mL) butter and 1/4 cup (60 mL) packed light brown sugar over medium heat. Stir in 3 sliced bananas, 1/2 tsp (2 mL) ground cinnamon and 1/4 cup (60 mL) orange juice; cook, stirring gently, for 5 minutes. Serve over pancakes.