I FOUND MY THRILL

I always wondered what ole Fats Domino found up there on that hill.  Now I think I know.  Well, one of the things, anyway!

See, in my world, thrills come pretty cheap.  I can have three people, standing in line, waiting to smother my face in kisses by simply yelling one word across the house:  "PAAAAN-CAAAAAKES!"  That word, "pancakes" can produce a stampede like only a new episode of (fill in the name of whatever kid show drives you nuts) can.

Now, our area of the world is known for many wonderful things: jazz, riverboats, gumbo, art, movies, coffee - you name it.  But one of my favorite unsung heroes of this land of plenty is the blueberry.  And right now, they're fat and juicy.  Our good friend, Mr. Jay, brings us some from his farm on the northshore and we promptly put them to good use!

And so, on day 12(?) of CAMP MOMMY, we're having Blueberry Pancakes with real maple syrup for breakfast.  For those of you 'spoiled' by instant pancake mixes like Bisquick, prepare to be amazed at what you can do with stuff that was hanging around your house anyway.  I like to teach my kids the 'real' way to do things (i.e. without marketing budgets attached) so that they can always enjoy life - even at times when they might find themselves so broke that they can't even pay attention. [rimshot]

BLUEBERRY THRILL PANCAKES
3 cups all-purpose flour
4 teaspoons baking powder
2 teaspoons sugar
scant teaspoon salt
4 eggs
2.5 cups of milk
dash of maple flavoring
1/4 cup melted butter
Put first 4 ingredients in bowl and stir to incorporate.  Add the rest of the ingredients and stir and stir until the mixture is creamy.  A mixmaster makes this job much easier, if you have one.  Heat a flat pan to almost smoking.  Lightly coat with cooking spray.  Pour batter on by spoonsful.  When the side facing you starts to "bubble," turn the pancake.  Leave it cook for 30 more seconds and it's done.  If you see any 'shiny' areas on the sides, let them cook a little longer.

If you are lucky enough to have blueberries, rinse them well and place them in a large bowl.  Sprinkle with any sweetener - if you choose to.  I also splash a bit of vanilla on mine and mix them thoroughly.  And if you are lucky enough to be in Louisiana right now (the old joke says, "Well, then you're lucky enough!") look on line for the many blueberry farms that are open for picking your own bucket.

To serve, pile a few pancakes on the plate.  Cut them into pieces (this way the syrup gets more soaked in).  Cover with a mess of berries and maple syrup.  WOW!!

Everybody sing....."I found my thrill, on Blueberry Hill....."
Comments? aintjuliachild@gmail