If you came to my house in February for “tea”, I probably wouldn’t have many baked goods to share. I tend to do the majority of my baking fails around Christmas time, like so many people. However, fear not! You will be fed! I will have plenty of comfort foods to share with you, along with a lovely cuppa.
You see, it’s been that kind of vibe around here lately. The days are kinda gloomy and damp…and we finally even got a significant dump of snow recently – a first for me in my new Island home.
February had started off great, with a lovely trip to the west coast of the island, and some hometown views like this:
And then last weekend, this happened:
Is it any wonder that I turned to comfort foods? First up, old-fashioned rice pudding made in my new-fashioned rice cooker. I won’t share the recipe because it came out of a fairly new cookbook (you know – copyright and all that), but there are plenty to be found online. I used arborio rice, and maple syrup instead of sugar.
Next up in the comfort food February hit parade, let me present a viral recipe my daughter was raving about: Baked Feta Pasta.
And last but not least, in honour of Fat Tuesday: my mother’s Dutch pancakes (she only made the sweet kind). And here’s her recipe as given to me many years ago:
Mix together flour and milk, throw in an egg (or two), a pinch of salt, some sugar, and some vanilla. Add more ingredients until the correct consistency is achieved. You’ll know you’re done when it smells right.
Smells right?! SMELLS RIGHT!?! How am I supposed to work with this??? WHERE. ARE. THE. MEASUREMENTS. WTF.
Gentle reader, after more than a few attempts I figured it out. Here’s how I make them.
Start out with 1 cup of milk and beat an egg into it. Add a pinch of salt, and a tablespoon of sugar (optional for sweet pancakes…not critical or necessary). Add 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla (only for sweet pancakes), to start. Whisk in 1 cup of flour. I usually start adding more milk at this point because I like to be able to create thinner pancakes. On this particular day 1/4 cup more milk was needed to achieve the batter consistency I wanted.
Then I smell the batter.
Needs more vanilla, which I added. Thanks, Mom!
This recipe can be easily doubled, tripled…whatever your pancake lovin’ dreams call for. The pan temperature and preheating is critical. Find the setting that works and commit it to memory. I prefer making my pancakes in butter but have used oil in the past and it works too. Don’t rush your first pancake as the pan will probably not be hot enough. You want the temperature to be hot enough to create the golden lacy effect, which will never happen if the pan is too cold.
Unfortunately you have to figure this out as everyone’s cooktop is different.
Fortunately you can eat your mistake(s) as you wait for the pan to come to the correct temperature. 🙂 I prefer to call it my…ahem…”trial” pancake, when it happens more often than not.
Leftovers (if any) can be stored covered, at room temperature for ease in grab n’ go snack-ability.
Pannekoeken (Dutch pancakes) can be made sweet (plain or with apples or raisins cooked right in) or savoury (with added bacon, ham, cheese etc.) They are not eaten for breakfast usually, but are a meal in themselves. Mom used to make them to stretch out a meal of leftovers. And she would make so many, there WERE pancake leftovers (unbelievable as it sounds) that disappeared the next day as breakfast or “snacks”: delicious rolled up and eaten out-of-hand, plain and at room temperature…yum!
Don’t call me a crepe!
Well, there you have it. Not exactly tea fare in the traditional sense. Unless perhaps you are using it in British sense: “tea” meaning the evening meal. Perhaps I should start my own monthly challenge…something like “What’s for Dinner?” or “What’s on Your Plate?”. Hmmmm. Would anyone be interested? (It’s quite possible that something like this already exists in the blogosphere, and I am not aware of it.) Gawd knows I need inspiration to cook myself a decent meal these days. Let me know in the Comments, below.
Thank you for reading this far (it was a looong one, sorry)…and for joining me in this month’s Virtual Tea Party – hosted by Del and Su. Click on their links to go see them and the lovely things they made!
Rock on,
The WB
Yum!!
Thank you, Deborah 💕
You’re welcome!💕
Looks so goood!
Thank you 💕
I’m enjoying your food blogs, and YES! I would do a “what’s for dinner/what’s on your plate challenge.” We’ve had a dump of cold weather and snow here in Texas and I’m so grateful for the comfort food I had already cooked AND that could be reheated on a gas stove. Power is back and I’m currently baking the “The Best Brownie Recipe” for our afternoon coffee. That pasta dish really caught my eye!! Tracey
Oh, I’ve been reading about Texas and lack of power! Glad yours is back on, Tracey. You should try the pasta dish. I was surprised it was so good as the thought of that much feta cheese was a bit off-putting. But I found it to be delicious, and even better reheated as time went on. Thank you 💕 And thank you for the vote towards this blogging challenge!
These dishes you cooked up, all look dangerous. They leave me in a weight-gaining mood. The pancakes really have my mouth watering. Now I’m going to have to tie myself to my chair, to keep me out of the kitchen.
I’ve certainly had to up my walking and hiking activities, to counteract all the comfort foods I’ve been making lately 😉. If you figure out how to tie yourself to a chair such that you can’t untie yourself again, let me know….if you can 😂. Thanks, TG!
Can I come and stay at your house? Honestly, you had me at the rice pudding, but to then offer virtual pasta with tomatoes … and feta. And pancakes. And to wrap it all up so that my chuckling is almost masking my hunger …
Thank you.
You’re most welcome, Su. I’m enjoying your virtual tea party so very much! Thank YOU 💕
😀😀
Damn you.
I’m hungry.
I am too. And I have no more pasta to eat. Damn myself! Thanks (for swearing at me) 💕🤣
Now I hold you responsible for the cake I made this afternoon. With cream cheese icing.
It’s really good 😁
I don’t suppose it would mail well? 😁
For you, I’d be prepared to try 😉
🥰
I love all that! Pancakes, crepes, rice pudding, all good!
They were all very good, Kate. Hope your move is going well. Thanks for stopping by 💕
The main move is done. Just trying to find a place to put stuff!
Ahhh, the fun (?!) part….
Fun? I missed that part.
Your smooshed pasta dish looks wonderful… I’m definitely going to try it. I’ve never liked pancakes… but maybe if I called them crepes, I’d warm to them. Love your mother’s original recipe. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a recipe that had “smell them” as part of the instructions. I like your idea for a monthly challenge!
You should try it! Everybody should. It’s a keeper! Thank you, Janis 💕 and thanks for the vote on the challenge. I’ve never hosted one so I have to think it through…🤔
Hi, Janis – I tried this recipe tonight. Deb’s not kidding — DIVINE!
This made me laugh and I think it’s a great suggestion.
Thank you, Sheree 💕 OK, I’ll have to put some thought into this idea!
😎
2 pans is obviously the answer! I always seem to be standing in the kitchen making one while the other half demolishes the last. But as punishment he always gets that first one that’s often too thick and not exactly right- ha! They look yummy with rasps. Next year! No- why wait? 🙂 🙂
When you’re making dinner plate-sized pancakes for 5 people, 2 frying pans is always the answer according to my late mom. It was like watching a dance – she was always ladling, rolling the pan, flipping at just the right time…from one pan to the other. Quite beautiful to behold, actually. Thanks Jo 💕
🤣💕
My goodness Deb, that looks wonderful and I just finished dinner. I could eat all over again.
Leslie xoxo
Thank you, Leslie! 💕
The ‘don’t call me crepes’ look easy enough and I like the idea of ‘what’s on your plate.’ Go for it.
Thank you, Suzanne 💕 The pancakes are easy, once you get the hang of them and know what you are going for, in terms of batter and pan temperature. Mom was right – if you don’t want to be bogged down with silly ol’ measurements…you’ll know when the batter looks and smells right. I’ll be giving a challenge some thought – thanks for chiming in!
I’ll pass on the rice pudding, but cheesy pasta with snow dotted holly? I say bring it!
Yes! I’ll be making that pasta dish quite regularly, I predict. And you passing on the pudding just means more for me 🤣. Thanks, Rivergirl 💕
Your photos show up beautifully on your blog, Deb. The heading photo (pancake/raspberries) is exquisite! I have been using the phrase, dump of snow, too. That is what the last few days feel like. Thawing today. Flowers blooming so early is always a treat. Anticipation gets the juices flowing reading for the treat/rice pudding.🙂 I have seen this Baked Feta Pasta meal online, yet I have not met a “real person” who has tried making it. Moira is a smart woman, taking your advice. Dutch pancakes…Wow! And all of the variations. Deb. A monthly challenge may be doable. We cook all sorts of weird things around here, too.🙂A great post!
Thank you, Erica 💕 I’m applying what I learned in my Smartphone Photography class and I think it’s really paying off in higher quality images. From all the positive comments I’ve been getting about my idea, looks like shit is about to get real 🤣. I have to figure out how to host one of these things…pray for me!
“You have always had the power, my dear” ❤️ Lots of smartphone classes advertised….do you recall name of one you took?
Thank you Glinda…er…Erica 😁. It was the one offered through VIU’s ElderCollege. I can also highly recommend iPhone Photography School…an online course you can do at your leisure. Emil is a fantastic instructor. I’ve learned lots from him about my iPhone let alone its camera.
Sure looked like a crepe to me but no matter the name it sure looks great!
I never would have guess that fern could survive temperatures cold enough to snow!
Thank you, Jean 💕 I haven’t made Dutch pancakes in a long time, and they sure tasted good so I haven’t lost my hard-earned touch. We have so many ferns on the island and they stay green all year long so clearly they can survive the occasional snow dump. I hope my potted fern can do the same.
Yes, please!! Everything looks so h*ckin delicious! Jesus keeps me company in the kitchen, too!
Thank you, ReginaMary 💕 My Seashell Jesus has absolutely nothing to do with the Bible’s Jesus. It’s just a kitschy thing I found abandoned at a property I used to own, that makes me laugh and that I like to laugh at.
Like Mary on a half-shell!! 😄
😁
Mercy, Deb! You’ve conjured up a meal fit for the gods for sure – cheesy pasta (I mean that in the most positive way) plus two – count them, TWO – desserts! Life round your place is grand! Love that you’ve pretty much given all the how-to’s, as well. 😉
Forgot to say your idea for a regular blog event sounds great – go for it! Would suggest you consider a partner. I’ve really appreciated being able to bounce ideas around with Su, and getting to know her has been an added joy. Just a thought!
That’s an excellent thought and one that has crossed my mind as well. Definitely a lot of “food” 🤣 for thought going forward! Thanks Del 💕
🙏🏼
xx
Thank you, Del 💕 Wouldn’t that be great if one could eat all of those dishes at the same meal? And not suffer indigestion or put on weight? 👍😉
Whoopeeee! 😆
Hi, Deb – I smiled all the way through this post. Your creative expressions always crack me up (and make me say to myself ‘why didn’t I think of that?’) On the way home from our hike today I picked up feta, basil and cherry tomatoes and made the smooshed baked-feta-tomato-pasta dish tonight. Seriously divine!
Thank you, Donna 💕 I thought this recipe would have some appeal for you! But little did I know you would come roaring out of the gate with it. Hah! Well, the day certainly called for some comfort after our damp outing, that’s for sure.😁
You are inspiring me to try pancakes.
Let me know if you do and how you like them! Thanks, Dawn 💕
Whether it’s “What’s for Dinner?” or “What’s on Your Plate?”, I’m in!
Thank you, Vero 💕 Now I just need to work out the details.
Hi Deb – all look positively delicious … especially now-a-days if someone else was cooking it … pancakes with lemon and sugar I love – funny I seem to love things they were they were – not changed. But the Feta tomato dish … sounds absolutely ideal – I love feta … I mix and match as i go now … simple, fresh ingredients. You’re lucky … my first dump when I arrived was mid-December and it was pretty foul til March … I didn’t enjoy it! But it’s staggering beautiful to see – enjoy all things! Stay safe – Hilary
Thanks for the recipes. I do miss porridge but your rice pud sounds like a perfect substitute. Yummo.
Thank you 💕 It definitely could substitute for porridge!
Thank you, Hilary 💕 Pancakes with sugar and lemon sounds delicious! I will have to try…how exactly do you do this? Is it the juice, the peel, what?
Very simple … if you’re a kid lots of white granular sugar!, then as much lemon juice to ‘tart’ it up … if you’re not a kid – well be judgmental in the amount of whiteness you put on. I just love that mix of sugar and lemon … so so simple! Obviously once tried – then you can adjust as you wish … it was cheap and cheerful back in the 50s/60s … but still so delicious today, especially Pancake day. Enjoy – when you try it … xo
Thanks!!! Yes, I will try it. I love anything lemon 🍋 🥰
Sounds like beavertails with the lemon and sugar! So good!
Aha! Beavertails…something else I have yet to try. They certainly sound good 😋
All of your food looks DELICIOUS. We used to have a rice cooker but it was a dud. Yours is spiffy. I like the Baked Feta Pasta recipe and will try that soon. As for your pancakes, well– I’m on team waffle, but if you must make a pancake yours look perfect. Loved the Schitts Creek reference, of course!
Thank you, Ally 💕 When it comes to rice cookers, you get what you pay for. I had been forewarned so I made sure I got one with “fuzzy logic”, that makes decisions based on what is happening in the pot (apparently) each time as to when the rice is done…rather than go by a preprogrammed schedule. I couldn’t source one anywhere near me…the closest one was 1.5 hours drive away in an urban mall that catered to the local Asian population. That seemed like a lot of work so I contacted Sanyo directly and they agreed to ship one to me. I think they (the fuzzy logic cookers) are easier to come by now….I’ve had mine for about 15 years and still love it. Mine also sautés and slow-cooks.
I need one of these rice cookers. The one we had was pathetic and never got entirely clean on the inside. Will check out this brand. Thank you.
RICE PUDDING. That, my friend, is ultimate comfort food. And in a rice cooker. I made rice pudding over summer LOL. It was delicious, but I don’t have a rice cooker.
Those pancakes looked delicious too. I love pancakes AND waffles. We made Swedish pancakes for the first time a few months ago, and they were so good.
This was the perfect cold weather, start to my weekend post.
I think I am going to try making Nanaimo Bars this weekend. 🙂
Thank you, Kari 💕 Good luck with your bars!
What great photos! Now I guess I am going to try those sweet pancakes – never had them but I have a ton of raspberries to use from the freezer.
Thank you, Bernie 💕 They would be good with just about any fruit. Raspberry happens to be my favourite and I try to always have some in the house, despite what they cost!
Hi Deb I’ve been baking more lately which means I need to run more LOL 🙂 I saw your baked pasta mentioned in Donna’s blog post so that is on my list. I’m not sure I have every made pancakes so perhaps you’ve inspired me and the rice pudding reminded me of my Mum who made it for me as a child. I enjoyed your post and the snow photos – where I live it is hot and humid at the moment. Maybe we could swap for a couple of days.
Thanks, Sue 💕 Sure, I’m up for a swap 😁
That viral recipe is a good one. Everyone is trying it. And some places have even seen a shortage of feta. It is a super easy and delicious recipe though.
You know, I wondered about that when I just saw this recipe being mentioned everywhere. Luckily there was plenty of feta still, at the store. Thank you 💕
Such a delectable & delicious post, Deb!
I haven’t had rice pudding in ages …. now I want me some. Can’t easily get arborio rice in Singapore. I wonder if Japanese shortgrain would work?
I love love love baked pastas – I don’t think I’ve ever had feta baked this way (usually in salads). Sounds sooooo yummy.
And your pancakes are so stunning. I just had a plain old stack of pancakes for Pancake Day.
Thank you, Ju-Lyn 💕 I think any rice would work in this pudding, but the more sticky and glutinous is probably better. Likewise, any pancake is a good pancake in my book! 😁 They are all delicious.
Ok, stickier the better! Gotcha!
I feel the same way about pancakes too …
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That rice pudding looks delicious! And the pasta! I definitely love comfort food. And I hope you are staying warm–our week of winter happily came to an abrupt end here in Texas. 🙂
Oh no! I’ve been reading bad, sad things about Texas. Hope you weren’t hit too hard. We had a weekend of winter, here on Vancouver Island. Now back to our regular programming….Thanks, Bethany 💕
We are pancake lovers at my house. I have made many versions of pancakes, but not Dutch pannekoeks, so thank-you for the recipe. I totally love recipes that “smell right.” There is a restaurant chain (maybe only in BC) called The Dutch Pannekoek House that has always been a favourite family treat.
Jude
YUM! Is there a Dutch Pannekoek House on the island? I haven’t been to one outside of the Netherlands. You’re welcome, Jude. Let me know how they turn out. 💕
There used to be many of them across the province, but they’ve gradually been disappearing. I haven’t seen one on the Island. The last one I visited a couple of years ago was in Maple Ridge.
Jude
And this is why we have to buy larger jeans. 🍰
Truth! 😂
Deb, not sure if anyone else has said this, but with regards to recipes and copyright… you can rewrite the recipe as long as you put the method part in your own words 🙂 So list the ingredients and have at it. No copyright breach! (oh, and YUM, I’m hungry now but need to actually cook tea – which is dinner, not cake here in Oz – before I can eat *sigh*).
Thank you, AJ 💕 That’s good to know, about publishing recipes. No, I was not made aware.
Yum, yum, yum! Those sounds simply mouth watering. I’ve never considered using a rice cooker to make rice pudding, but I cannot think of any good reason why now. Hey ho. I don’t have a rice cooker anymore (‘cos of downsizing doncha know), but I’m guessing it’ll work in a microwave too. I’ll report back if not. By the way, I don’t know if you saw the reports on the fragrant Nigella Lawson’s way of pronouncing microwave? As close as I can manage it – meecroweavay 😉 I believe there’s clips online if you’ve a mind.
Ha ha! Yes, I’ve seen that clip. I’ve often used that trick to make something mundane sound fancy, with humorous intent. Love it! Good luck with the meecroweavay 😁Thanks, Deb 💕
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I’d like to try the Pasta, Tomato, Feta Bake, but when I went to the TikTok link, it was practically incomprehensible and lacking detail to follow the ‘recipe’ there. Can you clarify quantities at all? How many cherry tomatoes? How much garlic? Really, you don’t put the garlic in to be cooked along with the tomatoes? That sort of thing. While I understand that TikTok is a quick-n-easy sort of data exchange, it would help the older generation a bit if there was a written, detailed list like we are accustomed to following somewhere at the bottom of the page.
Thanks for including such details with your Dutch Pancakes. They look scrumptious and I may try them next!
I linked the recipe I followed in the post. If you click on the highlighted “Feta Pasta Bake”, it should take you to the recipe, which is listed in detail. That said, I have riffed on the basic recipe a few times now and made many modifications, and they were all wonderful. I’ve cooked the garlic along with the tomatoes and I’ve also thrown in mushrooms, spinach and zucchini alongside the tomatoes. I’ve also used fresh mozzarella balls along with the feta. And sprinkled everything with Italian seasoning and glopped in a bunch of pesto. I don’t fret so much about quantities – put in the amount that looks good to you! It’s a very forgiving recipe. 💕
Thanks. I will try it this week! I have most of the ingredients–and I can only hope the ‘you are what you eat’ applies to the ‘forgiving’ qualities as well.