Christmas Cake Pancakes - BLW Friendly Treats
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These Christmas cake pancakes are delicious and seasonal. I really love Christmas and I wanted to create something I could give my toddler that has the taste of a Christmas cake without giving him a slice of sugary cake! Christmas is a time filled with joy and delightful traditions, and what better way to celebrate with your baby than by indulging in a special treat like Christmas pancakes? These fluffy and festive pancakes are bursting with seasonal flavours and colours. Picture a stack of golden pancakes adorned with a dollop of whipped cream or Greek yogurt. As your baby takes their first bite, their face lights up with excitement as they savour the warm flavours. It's a moment of pure magic, creating memories that will be cherished for years to come.
I thought that a pancake would be perfect for this recipe as a pancake is very much cake like. And also this could be a lovely delicious treat for the morning breakfast routine, plus they can be made in advance for a quick breakfast in the morning rush! Pancakes are like cakes in their fluffy, and irresistible nature. Just like cakes, pancakes are made from a simple batter of flour, eggs, milk. They share a similar cooking process on a hot frying pan, where they transform from a liquid batter to a golden-brown delicacy. Pancakes, like cakes, can be adorned or filled with various toppings, such as fresh fruit, whipped cream, and yogurt, enhancing their delectable flavours. While cakes are typically enjoyed on special occasions, pancakes bring joy to everyday breakfasts. So, whether it's a towering birthday cake or a stack of pancakes on a lazy Sunday morning for your family, both remind us that life is worth savouring, one bite at a time.
I have tried to combine similar ingredients to that of a Christmas cake in the pancake recipe. The orange, apricots and sultanas really work well together coupled with the ground almonds, orange zest and mixed spice, to make a really yummy explosion of Christmas flavours! Christmas flavours evoke a warm and comforting nostalgia, transporting us to joyous memories of family gatherings and celebrations. The enchanting aroma of mixed spices in the air. The tangy sweetness of orange adds a zing to every bite. Together, these Christmas flavours create a symphony of tastes that remind us of the magical season filled with love, joy, and delectable delights.I have experimented with different flavours with this pancake recipe and these flavours are the best to create a yummy Christmas seasonal treat.
Introducing spices into a baby's diet during the exciting journey of baby-led weaning can offer numerous benefits. Firstly, spices awaken the taste buds, making mealtime a delight for tiny palates. From the mild flavour of cinnamon to the gentle warmth of ginger, these natural seasonings add variety and depth to the culinary adventure. Moreover, spices provide essential nutrients and antioxidants, promoting overall health and boosting the developing immune system. The introduction of spices also encourages babies to become adventurous eaters, helping them cultivate a lifelong love for diverse flavours and cuisines. Lastly, incorporating spices in baby-led weaning encourages families to embrace cultural traditions and explore global cuisine, creating a rich tapestry of culinary experiences for both parent and baby.
Ground nuts can be a nutritious addition to baby-led weaning. Packed with essential nutrients like healthy fats, protein, fibre, and vitamins, ground nuts can provide numerous benefits for infants. They are a great source of energy, supporting healthy growth and development. Additionally, ground nuts can help in strengthening the immune system, promoting brain health, and aiding in digestion. However, it's important to introduce ground nuts cautiously, as they can be a potential choking hazard. Always consult with a health visitor and ensure that the nuts are finely ground to minimise the risk. By incorporating ground nuts into a baby's diet during the weaning process, parents can offer a wide range of nutrients and contribute to their child's overall health and well-being.
You can make these pancakes in the usual way by dolloping batter into rounds or you can get creative and do whatever you like. Christmas tree cutters are versatile tools that can add a touch of festive flair to your breakfast routine as well. Imagine cutting pancakes that are shaped like adorable Christmas trees! Using Christmas tree cutters to shape your pancakes adds a wholesome and playful element to your morning meal. Whether you're enjoying a cozy breakfast with family, these pancake creations are sure to bring smiles to everyone's faces. The familiar flavours of a classic pancake, create a delightful and memorable dining experience. So, this Christmas, why not embrace the merry spirit and make your pancakes extra special with the help of a delightful tree-shaped cutter? I have made one giant pancake and cut using seasonal shape cutters and I have enjoyed eating the off cuts… but you don’t have to do this and go with the original method.
You have to give these a go over the Christmas holidays - they’ll be such a nice little breakfast treat for your little ones and family.
If you're looking to create a memorable Christmas breakfast experience, then my Christmas pancakes are an absolute must! Imagine scrumptious fluffy pancakes, freshly made with a hint of mixed spice. These pancakes will not only tantalise your taste buds but also bring a festive touch to your table. My Christmas pancakes are guaranteed to make your mornings extra special. So why wait? Treat yourself and your loved ones to a batch of these delightful pancakes, and savour the magic of Christmas with each delectable bite!
Ingredient information
Self raising flour - I have used plain flour when I have tested this recipe and as they were not as light and fluffy, If you do not have self raising flour you can use plain flour but they will be a bit dense.
Ground almonds - I love to use ground almonds in sweet and savoury recipes. I find in this recipe the nuttiness is so seasonal to the recipe, I wanted to emulate the taste of marzipan.
Mixed spice - Mixed spice to me smells like Christmas. Coupled with the orange zest they really work together.
Eggs- I always use free range eggs in my kitchen if you are able to get some I would highly recommend. If not any eggs will work well in this recipe.
Dried apricots - I love dried apricots as a snack! I also love dried apricots in cake! And as they are added into Christmas cakes why not add them to these Christmas pancakes.
Sultanas - I have opted for sultanas instead of raisins as I prefer them, but if you have some raisins you can use these instead, as they work just as well.
Orange zest - You don’t need much zest and you can alter to your taste but I find half an orange hits the spot.
Milk - I always use whole milk at the moment as I have a toddler but, if you have older kids or even for the adults, you can use semi-skimmed or even skimmed milk for the recipe.
Unsalted butter - I use unsalted butter as I have a toddler, and I find with pancakes butter tastes so much better than if I used oil. However, if you were making for adults you can use lightly salted butter.
Serving suggestion
The yummy pancakes can be served with plain Greek style yogurt, or why not try apricot puree swirled in Greek style yogurt or natural yogurt. Alternatively you can spread some almond butter on top served with some cooked pear. You could also serve alongside mango pots, overnight oats or a sweet cheese pudding.
Storage instructions
The good news is that these pancakes can be frozen for up to 3 months in the freezer, stored in freezer bags or a an airtight container. To store in the airtight container the best way to do this is layer the pancakes in between parchment paper. You could also store in individual small airtight containers if this is easier.
If you are storing in the fridge they can be kept in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
To defrost and reheat, what you will need to do, is take out the pancake from the freezer and place in the fridge overnight to fully thaw. Once thawed they can be enjoyed cold, or you can reheat in the oven on 180 C or 350 F for 5 minutes. Check that they are hot all the way through, and leave to cool at an acceptable temperature for your baby.
Equipment used to help with this recipe
Frying pan - I love the non-stick surface of this particular frying pan and it’s suitable for all types of hob.
Large Airtight container - I much prefer the click-shut lids on these containers compared to others. They are also dishwasher and freezer safe and BPA free, so very suitable for food use.
Small Airtight container - Just 180 ml storage capacity but very useful for leftovers and freezing small baby portions.
Christmas cutters - Choose stainless steel ones, they are food safe and strong enough to cut through pastry and other doughs.
Recipe | Christmas Cake Pancakes
Makes 12 small pancakes
200g self raising flour, sieved
1 tablespoon ground almonds
1/2 teaspoon mixed spice
2 eggs
4 dried apricots
Handful sultanas
Zest of half an orange
14 tablespoons milk
Unsalted butter
Instructions
Mix together the flour, ground almonds and mixed spice in a large mixing bowl.
Add in the eggs and whisk, this will become a very thick lumpy dough.
By tablespoon add in the milk and mix after each spoonful. It will end up like a thick batter.
Add in the sultanas and apricots and stir.
For usual pancake rounds, heat a frying pan on high and melt the butter, I use a 1/4 cup of a cup measure and add to a pan with the butter. Cook for 2 minutes each side.
Hope you and your family enjoy!
Recipe notes
You can experiment here with your favourite seasonal fruits. For example if you had some dried cranberries for a sharper taste you could take away the apricots or sultanas and add the cranberries, or you could even use some dried cherries! Of course if there is a nut allergy you can remove the ground almonds and keep the same measure of flour, they will work just as well.
©The Petit Spoon
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