Wintery Week

Like nearly half of the US, we got walloped with snow this week! For me it's always a little bit exciting to think of a good snowstorm coming....unlike knowing a "good thunderstorm" is coming. We were very lucky and didn't lose power, but the mighty wind raged outside and made me thankful for my snug house. I didn't measure it, but I think we probably got about 10" by the time it quit sometime on Wednesday. The kids were off school for Wednesday and Thursday, but went back again today. They had all kinds of fun playing in the freshly fallen snow, and also skating on the skating rink.

The rink has been a big hit so far this winter. I have to admit that my husband far exceeded my expectations. I was dubious, to say the least, when he first started this project. He did a good job, though, especially for his first time. I'm beginning to think I need to stick a sign in the snow, though. "Skate at Your Own Risk" The neighborhood kids are starting to come around. :)

One of the drawbacks of skating when you're young is learning how to properly lace up your own skates. The little ones just can't do it by themselves, yet, but Emily is getting a handle on it. Thankgoodness! Lacing up 4 pairs of skates has been known to take 20 minutes. Meanwhile, dinner's burning on the stove.

It really is amazing to me how quickly the kids are catching on to this. When we first took Owen out this year it was at a local indoor rink. He clung to the wall and could barely move. Nelly screamed her head off the entire time I CARRIED her around the rink. Now, they are all skating without fear, and Owen literally does laps back and forth as fast as he can go. It's so much fun to watch them improve, and they are so proud of themselves.
Yes, these are Chocolate Chip Mickey Mouse pancakes. BUT, they have a secret healthy ingredient that my kids don't know about. Ground flaxseed meal. Flaxseed is an excellent source of Omega 3, something a lot of kids don't get much of. It's also high in fiber. Did you know, it can also be used in many recipes to replace an egg?! Just mix 1 Tbsp. of flaxseed meal with 3 Tbsp water. Let it sit for 2 minutes, then add it to your recipe in place of an egg. So, here's the recipe for these buttermilk pancakes (which are delicious all by themselves, without the chocolate chips).

Secret-Ingredient Buttermilk Pancakes

2 eggs (separated) *do not substitute flaxseed here*

1 1/2 c. buttermilk

3 Tbsp. oil

1 tsp. vanilla

1 1/2 c. flour

1/2 tsp. baking soda

1/2 tsp. baking powder

2 Tbsp. sugar

1/4 tsp. salt

3 Tbsp. water

1 Tbsp. ground flaxseed meal (I use Bob's Red Mill)

Mix together flaxseed meal with 3 Tbsp. water and let sit for 2 minutes. Meanwhile, separate eggs. Combine soaked flaxseed meal with egg yolks, oil, buttermilk and vanilla. Stir together flour, soda, baking powder, sugar and salt. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix just until combined (batter will be lumpy). In a separate bowl, beat egg whites until stiff peaks form. Fold whites into batter. Cook pancakes as usual, or add chocolate chips if you like that!

I just had to add this link. These are single-serve miniature pies made in small canning jars. They can be made up and frozen prior to baking, so imagine the possibilities with that! Next time you have company, don't slave in the kitchen making dessert....run to your freezer and pull out a few of these cuties and you'll have fresh pie without the fuss. Unless you count the fuss your guests will make over you and your clever idea! Find out how to make them here!

Ta-Ta, Ya'll!