Family Night ~ Are we allowed to eat pancakes at 10:30 p.m?

Sometimes family night just happens....spur of the moment.  It is one of those things that I can plan for hours or it will just happen last second when my hubby says, "Are you up for....." all I have to do is say sure and we are on our way to making memories!

Saturday, we had a full day of fun at a huge family Fourth of July party.  We got home at 8:00 p.m. and jumped in the pool because it was so incredibly hot.  I got out about 9:30 p.m. with Lil Bro and said we were headed inside to shower and jammie up everyone.  My husband proceeds to whisper, "Are you up for pancakes?"  I replied "Sure, we don't have to leave for church until 10 a.m. so that sounds great." thinking he is referring to the morning.  He then says, "How about now?"

(Here is a look into my Mommy brain... We just had a HUGE day, no naps, lots of swimming, it's already 1 1/2 hours past bedtime, church is in the morning, we still have to do showers/jammmies/bedtime routine, Bible stories, I have to gather up Church clothes, etc. I stopped and thought, will this really hurt if they stay up any later?  Will this be a wonderful memory maker? Can I gather up clothes after pancakes or in the morning? )

"Sure, Pancakes sound Fabulous! Great idea honey!"  I took Lil Bro inside and he sat at the tall counter and helped me make Blueberry pancakes while hearing splashing and giggles outside in the pool! He dumped and stored and Wah-la, Flapjacks were flying off the griddle!

 Pancakes really do taste better at 10:30 p.m.!

Our Favorite Pancake Recipe:
Alton Brown's Instant Pancake Mix
found HERE

Ingredients

• 6 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda (check expiration date first)
• 3 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 tablespoon kosher salt
• 2 tablespoons sugar

Directions

Combine all of the ingredients in a lidded container. Shake to mix.

Use the mix within 3 months.

"INSTANT" PANCAKES:

• 2 eggs, separated
• 2 cups buttermilk
• 4 tablespoons melted butter
• 2 cups "Instant" Pancake Mix, recipe above
• 1 stick butter, for greasing the pan
• 2 cups fresh fruit such as blueberries, if desired

Heat an electric griddle or frying pan to 350 degrees F. Heat oven to 200 degrees F.

Whisk together the egg whites and the buttermilk in a small bowl. In another bowl, whisk the egg yolks with the melted butter.

Combine the buttermilk mixture with the egg yolk mixture in a large mixing bowl and whisk together until thoroughly combined. Pour the liquid ingredients on top of the pancake mix. Using a whisk, mix the batter just enough to bring it together. Don't try to work all the lumps out.

Check to see that the griddle is hot by placing a few drops of water onto to the griddle. The griddle is ready if the water dances across the surface.

Lightly butter the griddle. Wipe off thoroughly with a paper towel. (No butter should be visible.)

Gently ladle the pancake batter onto the griddle and sprinkle on fruit if desired. When bubbles begin to set around the edges of the pancake and the griddle-side of the cake is golden, gently flip the pancakes. Continue to cook 2 to 3 minutes or until the pancake is set.

Serve immediately or remove to a towel-lined baking sheet and cover with a towel. Hold in a warm place for 20 to 30 minutes.

Yield: 12 pancakes

**I double the batch and sprinkle frozen blueberries on the batter in the skillet!  YUMMY!  So good!