By Family Features | Contributor
When it comes to capturing the heart of your special someone, starting Valentine’s Day with a homemade breakfast is a delightful choice that speaks volumes.
Whether you’re crafting a gourmet morning meal for a partner with refined tastes or creating dishes that appeal to your little ones, let these suggestions inspire you.
- Embrace the theme of love with vibrant red ingredients like fresh strawberries or raspberries, which complement French toast or crepes beautifully, and can even elevate an ordinary bowl of cereal.
- For a healthier option, consider a refreshing berry smoothie or a colorful parfait made with fresh fruit, low-fat yogurt, and granola. Add a touch of sweetness by finishing with dark chocolate shavings.
- Express your love through a delightful serving of Cocoa-Kissed Red Velvet Pancakes, made with rich cocoa, buttermilk, and fresh berries. Using heart-shaped cookie cutters can add a charming detail to these fluffy pancakes. Top them off with powdered sugar and berries for a memorable expression of affection.
Explore more delightful recipes to share with your loved ones this Valentine’s Day at Culinary.net.
Cocoa-Kissed Red Velvet Pancakes
Recipe courtesy of Nestlé
Servings: 10 pancakes
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup granulated sugar
3 tablespoons Nestlé Toll House Baking Cocoa
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 large egg
1 cup reduced-fat buttermilk or low-fat milk
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 teaspoon red food coloring
Heart-shaped pancake cutters or cookie cutters (optional)
Butter for garnish (optional)
Powdered sugar for garnish (optional)
Maple syrup for garnish (optional)
Fresh berries for garnish (optional)
In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt; mix thoroughly.
In another bowl, whisk together the egg, buttermilk, melted butter, vanilla, and food coloring. Combine this mixture with the dry ingredients, stirring until well mixed. Let the batter rest for about 5 minutes.
Warm a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease with oil or butter. Pour approximately 1/4 cup of batter into the skillet. Cook for around 2 minutes, or until bubbles appear on the surface. Flip and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until the underside is lightly browned. Serve hot, garnished with butter, powdered sugar, syrup, and fresh berries if desired.
Tip: If using cookie or pancake cutters, be sure to oil them to prevent sticking. Place the cutters in the skillet, pour the batter inside, and remove the cutters before flipping.
