PANCAKE RECIPESHere in Puerto Rico, we have enthusiastically adopted the BRUNCH as a new way of inviting friends over on Sundays. With a Brunch, which might be light or heavy, we have the opportunity to share for a few hours with friends and family, and then, relax during the afternoon, preparing ourselves for next week at our jobs. Usually a brunch has a punch or cocktail, a frittata or pancakes, several kinds of breads, assorted sausages and fresh fruit. I want to share with you a few pancake recipes, for your enjoyment. BUEN PROVECHO!

ZUCCHINI PANCAKES

6 medium zucchinis, grated or processed
3 eggs, beaten
4 tb flour
4 tb freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 tsp minced parsley
1 garlic clove, crushed
salt and pepper to taste
2 tb olive oil

Process the zucchini and mix with the other ingredients, except the oil. Blend well. Form the mixture into patties 3-4 inches in diameter. Heat the oil in high. Cook the pancakes for 3 minutes per side. Remove with a spatula and drain on paper towels. These pancakes can be also served with grilled meats.

OVEN STRAWBERRY PANCAKES

2 pints fresh strawberries
1/4 cup brown sugar
3 tb flour
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup half and half
8 eggs
3 tb butter
Confectioners sugar
1/2 cup sour cream (optional)
1 1/2 tb granulated sugar (optional)

Slice strawberries in half, place in bowl and toss with sugar. Set aside. Combine flour and salt in large bowl. Gradually beat in half and half. Beat eggs 1 at a time into flour mixture, blending until batter is smooth and thin. Place about 1/2 tb butter in each of 6 individual baking dishes. Place dishes in baking sheet and preheat in oven for 4-5 minutes. Remove from oven and place about 1/2 cup of batter in each dish. Bake in a preheated 450 F oven for 15 minutes or until cakes are puffed and brown around edges. Leave cakes in dishes, sprinkle with powdered sugar and pile with strawberries. Each cake may be topped with a spoonful of sour cream, sweetened with the granulated sugar. Serve at once.

BRAN PANCAKES

1 cup whole wheat flour
1 cup whole bran cereal
3 tsp baking powder
3 tb brown sugar, packed
3/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 cup milk
1 cup buttermilk
2 eggs beaten
3 tb melted butter or margarine.

Mix the flour, bran, baking powder, sugar, salt and soda. Blend in the milk, buttermilk into the flour mixture. Add eggs and melted butter and beat until blended. Fry in a medium hot griddle. They will brown faster than a regular pancake and may be cooked in less heat. Serve with butter and honey.

APPLE, HONEY AND COTTAGE CHEESE PANCAKES

1 cup cottage cheese
1 cup grated apple
1/2 cup all purpose flour
1/4 cup whole wheat flour
1 tb honey
1 tsp fresh lemon juice or Real Lemon
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp cinnamon
4 eggs, separated and at room temperature
1/8 tsp cream of tartar
Melted butter
Vegetable oil
Powdered sugar

Combine first 8 ingredients in large bowl. Blend the yolks in. Beat the whites and cream of tartar in another bowl, until stiff but not dry. Fold 1/4 of whites into batter; fold in remaining whites. Heat large skillet or griddle in medium heat. Film with butter and oil. Drop batter by 1/4 cup (4 inch pancakes). Cook pancakes both sides until brown. Dust with powdered sugar and serve.