Sunday, October 28, 2007

Hooray For Halloween!

It's almost Halloween. When our big flood nightmare started, we hoped we'd be done with all the repairs by Halloween. And you know what? We just about are. There a few minor things that still need to be done, but they are cosmetic and not at all urgent. So it's meant a lot to me to be able to get a few decorations put up and actually get excited about the holiday. On Sunday, I took advantage of having my kitchen back by making Halloween pancakes. I used the molds from Williams-Sonoma, but Amazon.com has a variety of shapes.

I am not a pancake pro, and there was a definite learning curve to this process. I learned very quickly not to overfill the molds and that there's no such thing as too much vegetable oil spray. It also helps to have your pan and the molds pretty well heated before starting. After rejecting my first few attempts, I added a little more milk to the batter and achieved much better results. As usual, I ended up with more than I needed, which I love. They went right into the freezer for a little Halloween fun in a couple of weeks.

I'd love to say that my kids were amazed and impressed with my festivity, not to mention my mad culinary skills. At best, they were slightly amused. Except for the little one who wouldn't even taste a bite. My husband said some nice things, but I know he thinks I'm nuts for doing stuff like this. Fortunately, he keeps those comments to himself...at least half the time.

As for me, the greatest thrill was not the actual pancakes. I mean, after all, they're pancakes. It was having a kitchen to cook in and to be able to walk around without fear of stepping on nails or worse. Floors and counters will never again be taken for granted by me. And more than that, it was the fact that I'm once again taking interest and pleasure in the silly little things that bring a smile to one's face. This is huge progress for me and again, something that I'm definitely not taking for granted.



P.S. The last guy kind of looks like a burn victim, but I think that just makes
him look more authentic.

6 comments:

Jennifer said...

What fun! I think I need to visit Williams Sonoma. My 5 year old has recently fallen in love with pancakes, asks for them almost every day.

I'm not sure what I do that makes them turn out so good, but I do make them from scratch using the same recipe my grandmother did and I cook them in a non-stick electric skillet. I'm hoping to get a non-stick electric griddle soon.

onescrappychick said...

YAY!!! I'm so happy to read this kind of post from you... I will keep good thoughts headed your way.. and enjoy your new kitchen!!!!!!

Anonymous said...

I don't care what anyone says, I think your pancakes rock! What a great time!

Jaq

Nik said...

So cool!!! I can not tell you how happy I am to know that your kitchen and house are nearly all done.. I can see the smile on your face just thinking about it!!!

I love the pancakes they look delicious!!

t said...

Thanks all!!!

Lissa Ballard said...

Holy cow I love your humor... I'm still laughing at your P.S.

Those pancakes rock girl... You're putting us "Non-Betty Crockers" to shame woman!

Hugs
Lis