Banana Pancakes with Orange Butter

Sometimes I get stuck in a rut.  I'm not always in the mood for maple syrup, no matter how good it is.  These are a great pancake to make when you want something different.  The pancake batter is a simple recipe, but the added banana and orange butter makes these special.

You don't need to go out to your favorite pancake house when you can make these at home.

1 cup flour
1 tablespoon sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 egg, beaten
1 cup milk
2 tablespoons cooking oil
3~4 bananas (only mash 2 and save the others for garnish)
1/2 cup butter
2 tablespoons frozen orange juice concentrate
1/2 cup light brown sugar

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder and salt.  In a medium mixing bowl combine the egg, milk, and cooking oil.  Add to the flour mixture.  Stir until just blended, batter should still be lumpy.  Fold in the mashed bananas, be careful not to over mix.

Heat a heavy skillet or griddle and pour about 1/4 cup of pancake mix onto hot griddle.  Cook until pancakes are golden brown, turning to cook the second side when pancake has a bubbly surface and is slightly dry around the edge.

In a small saucepan, combine the butter, orange juice concentrate and brown sugar.  Heat until butter is melted and sugar is dissolved.  Keep sauce warm.

Serve pancakes with orange butter and banana slices.

Orange Honey Butter

This is a good one! I made this for corn bread, but it would be great with homemade rolls, pancakes, really anything.

1/4 pound unsalted butter, at room temperature
3 tablespoons good quality honey
2 teaspoons fresh orange juice
1/2 teaspoon orange zest
pinch of kosher salt

In a bowl combine butter, honey, orange juice, orange zest, and salt. With a mixer, mix until fully combined. Transfer to a decorative crock or bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until slightly firm. Makes about 3/4 cup.

*Tip~ Before you measure the honey, spray the measuring spoon with non~stick cooking spray. The honey will come out easily.

Cinnamon Honey Butter

This recipe comes from Barefoot Contessa, Parties. Ina Garten is one of my favorite chefs, I have every one of her cookbooks. I have never failed with one of her recipes. Love her!

1/4 pound unsalted butter at room temperature
3 tablespoons good quality honey
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon kosher salt

Combine the butter, honey, cinnamon, and salt in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Serve at room temperature. Makes 3/4 cup.

*Tip~ Before you measure the honey, spray the measuring spoon with non~stick cooking spray. The honey will come out easily.