By I love baking and cooking and YES there is a difference between the two! My general approach when attempting a new recipe in either genre is to make it once following the instructions and measurements exactly. Depending on the outcome, I may apply some Mary flair at the next attempt (or I may scratch it from the list). Baking typically requires a lot more precision and thus restrictions, but that is the price you must pay for baking goodness.
I had two thoughts for this first baking post – either provide the secret recipe for my pancakes or set up a series called ‘baking for one’. The latter sounds entirely too depressing so we’ll start with the former. I do think I will pursue the series for baking for one or maybe baking for a few, because any time I make cookies, there are way too many for one person to consume. I sacrifice myself and diligently eat as many as I can, which is why I’m more curvy today.
If I mention cookies, I must give a shout out to these macarons from St. Emilion. 
They are quite tasty! I brought them back to the office from a work trip to France, but I am not sure if anyone else got to enjoy them besides me. I am the OG Cookie monster!
So let’s talk about pancakes. I’m going to provide the secret recipe now…and no you won’t have a bazillion ads to get to the recipe. While this is a baking recipe, you do not have to be as diligent about measurements
Lazy man’s approach – which is what I followed for Pancake Friday at work where I was feeding mobs. All you have to do is follow the back of the box. I do like Bisquick, but I found Krusteaz Buttermilk pancakes satisfies most people needs, especially after doctoring with the Mary’s secret and…chocolate chips or blueberries or sprinkles (obviously).
‘I am a baking snob’ approach…not gonna do it. I am not in the mood and am not sure if anyone is still reading…but if you are. I typically use the better homes and garden recipe or this one because it separates the egg whites and whisks them up.
and now the pièce de résistance. Once your batter is mixed add the following. This is a slight riff on something off the bisquick box. As I usually have a teaspoon on hand, that’s the easy measurement I use:
- 2-3 teaspoons sugar
- 3 teaspoons baking powder (not soda)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 6 teaspoons (= 2 Tablespoons – but I figured you didn’t want to dirty another spoon) – Lemon Juice
Add the above to your batter and whisk.
