Banana-Walnut Pancakes

Jeff did something special for me. :) He often makes me cinnamon rolls and occasionally makes me omelettes (he's better at not turning them into scrambles than I am), but he decided he wanted to make me another breakfast and made me banana pancakes. I admit, I helped a little-- but mostly by adding spices and mixing the liquids for him. But he did most of it, and I'm so proud of him.


He even decorated them (except the brown sugar, that was my idea). And plated them. I think my foodie ness is rubbing off on him. When we first met he would hold 'waffle nights' that was him making waffles from a box mix and serving them without anything to random people. Which was awesome. But this is totally cute and I'm gooshing over it.

The pancakes turned out really yummy, too. They had banana flavour, though it wasn't the strongest (that surprised me, considering the banana content).
I think if I had to nitpick, I'd say I want them a little fluffier. But these were really good--they reminded me of the pancakes my dad used to make (admittedly Aunt Jemima), but with an extra banana flavour.

We pretty much eat bananas all the time. Every morning. I add them to my cereal, or have half of one with yogurt (Jeff usually eats the other half), or with cinnamon rolls or pancakes or waffles. We eat sooo many bananas, and I'm not sure why other than they're delicious. It's a good source of potassium, and I like that.
I also don't understand why a lot of people don't make pancakes from scratch. It's super easy, it only takes like 5 minutes longer than pulling out the box mix, and usually they taste a lot richer. I always added spices to mine, because I'm a cinnamon fiend, but it's so easy to make faux buttermilk waffles by using milk and vinegar and simple ingredients. :D I recommend it!
Banana Pancakes
A collaborate effort with Jeff as the chef. :)

1 cup flour
1 tablespoon white sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
a dash of nutmeg
a pinch of ginger
1 egg, beaten
1 cup milk
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons canola oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 ripe bananas, mashed
1 tablespoon walnuts

1 banana, sliced, to top
brown sugar, to top

Heat the oven to 350 Degrees Fahrenheit.

Place the walnuts out on a cookie sheet and bake in the oven for 5-7 minutes until just toasted, shaking occasionally.
In a small mug combine the milk and apple cider vinegar.
Combine the flour, baking powder, sugar, salt, and spices in a large mixing bowl.
Mix the milk with the egg, oil, and vanilla extract in a separate bowl. Mix in the mashed bananas. Combine all ingredients, including the toasted walnuts, and whisk together, leaving some lumps.
Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat and spray with non-stick spray. Spoon or pour the batter into the skillet (about 1/4 cup) and cook until golden brown on both sides.
Serve with sliced bananas and a sprinkle of brown sugar.