Food: Citrus Apple Pancakes

Well I didn't accomplish everything that I set out to this weekend, but I did make an awesome stack of pancakes.  Saturday is pancake day.  Daddy takes the three year old to gymnastics and when they return I try to have brunch ready. It doesn't always happen, as one year old's need to be kept occupied and entertained, but it is one of the few consistent things that we have going for our family right now.  Don't get me wrong I am starting to enjoy being a homemaker and I am so happy that my husband has a job in this tough economy, but it is hard for us to find balance. Pancake day is our way to unwind and enjoy time as a family without the worries that weekdays bring. 
I decided to try something new this time around. I was inspired by Mia Rogers' Pumpkin Apple Pancakes  on ABC's The Chew Friday.   I didn't have all the ingredients, so per my new frugal lifestyle I decided to get a little inventive.  I used what I already had in my kitchen which included boxed pancake mix, Granny Smith Apples, and navel oranges. Box pancake mix is absolutely fine by me as I have struggled and failed at finding a from-scratch pancake recipe over the past six months.  Of course I added my own flair by adding a few extra spices to the mix, as I do with most items I purchase.   I enjoyed it so much I figured I would share it with you.

This recipe is fairly simple, and requires nothing more than two skillets and a spoon to make. So here it is, tell me what you think.... 

Najeema's Citrus Apple Pancakes

For the batter:

-Your favorite pancake mix

-1 tablespoon of Brown sugar

-2 teaspoon Cinnamon

-1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

Prepare pancakes according to directions on boxed mixture. Add Sugar, Cinnamon and Vanilla Extract to the pancake mix. Pour 1/4 cup of mixture onto hot non-stick griddle or skillet. Flip pancakes when bubbles are observed. About 1/2 minute for each side. Add Apple Topping and drizzle with maple syrup to taste.

For topping:

-1 thinly sliced granny smith

- approx. 3 tablespoons of maple syrup

-1 teaspoon of orange extract 

-zest of one orange

-1 cap full of lemon juice

-1 teaspoon of brown sugar

Add ingredients to a non stick skillet on medium heat. Stir occasionally. Cook until they are soft and golden; which took me about 10 minutes.

Overall this recipe came out better than I imagined, but I will definitely be peeling the apples, as my husband nor I were fans of the texture. I am so glad I tuned into The Chew on Friday, who knew I would be coming up with my own recipe. What have you added to your recipe catalog recently? What are your favorite flavors?

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Peace and Love

Najeema Iman, I AM Curly Locks

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