Safeway Popover Oven Pancakes and July Holidays by Margaret Ullrich

Yesterday we celebrated our forty-fifth Canada Day!

We enjoyed it much more than the day we had on our first Canada Day.

We strolled through Lower Fort Garry, seeing and living a bit of history, thanks to the fine young actors who had taken on the personas of the folks one would have met at the Fort about 150 years ago.

There was also a six foot beaver who posed for pictures with anyone who asked.

A beaver is much friendlier than a bald eagle is, at least I think so.

Last night we saw the fireworks at a local elementary school, compliments of our MP, Kevin Lamoreaux.

We walked to the school about a half hour before the action was scheduled to begin.

Many of our neighbours had the same idea, so it was like we were enjoying a giant block party.

Youngsters were playing basketball, using the school’s four hoops.

Infants, up way past their bedtimes, were enjoying the fun.

The gathering was relaxed and enjoyable, while the smoke and smell of gunpowder added to the excitement.

All in all, a grand time was had by all.

And Monday is the American holiday, the Fourth of July!

It’s one of those weekends which begs for a break in routine, a bit of fun, or at least a small change in diet.

Instead of the same old same old, why not make a special brunch dish?

A few months ago, for Easter, I posted Anna Sultana’s Puffy Brunch Omelet with Berry Compote and Other Fillings.

it is festive yet simple to make, and a perfect dish for one, or two.

It can be served with fruit for a brunch or a dessert, or with vegetables for a lunch. 

And it’s easy to make a larger amount if you’ve invited the gang over.

I recently posted the recipe for the Cinnamon Swirl Coffee Cake that had been printed on the back of Safeway’s 2.5 Kg bag of Instant Skim Milk Powder for a few years.

It had become a staple and people had expected that it would always be available.

It might’ve worked out that way, if Sobeys hadn’t bought Canada Safeway Limited and decided to make a few changes.

About those changes… not working out as they hoped.

Gues they never heard the old saying If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.

About the bag of Instant Skim Milk Powder that Sobeys decided to discontinue… 

there were two other recipes on the bag: Popover Oven Pancakes, and Tuscan White Bean and Zucchini Soup.

The Popover Oven Pancakes is a nice variation of Ma’s Puffy Brunch Omelet.

I wouldn’t be surprised if there are a few folks wishing they’d jotted down the recipe.

So, here it is. 

On the bag it said:

Let the kids watch through the oven window as the batter rises to voluminous heights. Serve immediately - it deflates quickly.

Hints:

Want a bit of fruit with your pancakes? Here’s an easy fruit filling:

Melt in a nonstick skillet over medium heat

2 Tablespoons butter

Add

1/4 Cup dark brown sugar

1 can of peach slices, drained

Stir the peaches until they are warmed through and the sugar has melted.

Serve on the French Toast.

Sprinkle with confectioners’ sugar (optional)

You can also use thinly sliced fresh apples, peaches or pears - or a mixture.

This is also good with waffles and chicken.

                        Popover Oven Pancakes

Makes 6 servings

Place rack in lower third of oven.

Preheat oven to 425° F 

Place in a 9 x 13 inch baking pan

3 Tablespoons butter or margarine

Place the pan in the oven to melt the butter or margarine.

Remove the pan and tilt it around to coat the bottom of the pan.

Keep warm.

While the pan is in the oven, place in a large bowl  

6 eggs (or 3 whole eggs and 3 egg whites)

1 1/4 Cups water

Whisk together.

Add

1/2 Cup instant skim milk powder

1 Cup flour

1/4 Cup maple syrup

1/2 teaspoon salt

Whisk vigorously until blended.

The batter will be lumpy.

Pour the batter into the hot buttered baking pan.

Bake 20 minutes, or until puffed and golden. 

Sprinkle with 

confectioners’ sugar (optional)

Cut into squares and serve with maple syrup.

About the sky this week, thanks to the folks at The Farmers' Almanac…

July 4 - There’ll be a New Moon. 

Can’t see it, but won’t miss it if you’re enjoying the fireworks.

The New Moon is in Cancer, so warm family feelings should be in the air.

And that’s always a good thing.

Wishing a safe and Happy Holiday to everyone!