Banana-Walnut Pancakes

When I lived in Southern California there was this little diner type restaurant called “California Burger” not too far from where I attended school. Maybe once upon a time this place only made California style hamburgers but that is definitely not the case today. They serve almost everything from your basic hamburger and french fries, to salads, to sandwiches, even chicken teriyaki. What is most memorable however, is that it had an extensive breakfast menu. My BFF and I would go there just to get the banana-walnut pancakes. After you went to the counter and ordered instead of finding a seat right away you could hang out and watch the cooks directly behind the register make up your order. I loved watching them pour out a “healthy” sum of pancake batter over the grill and then watch them peel and slice a fresh banana over my pancake. Seeing that makes you feel 10 times better about eating at a diner.

It's been a few years since I've been there or tasted a banana pancake. This last Sunday my husband made me some banana pancakes! It took me back in time. The best thing about this recipe is that it really isn't a recipe. Use the pancake recipe you like the best and top the batter with sliced bananas and chopped walnuts. Don't have a favorite pancake recipe? Here is one to get you started. Happy eating!

• 1 large egg
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 3/4 cup milk
• 1 cup all purpose
• 1 tablespoons granulated or packed brown sugar
• 3 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Sliced bananas and chopped walnuts

Beat egg, vegetable oil and milk in medium bowl with hand beater until fluffy. Beat in remaining ingredients until just smooth.

Heat griddle or skillet over medium heat or to 375 degrees. Grease griddle with margarine, butter or cooking spray if necessary. (To test griddle, sprinkle with a few drops of water. If bubbles jump around, heat is just right.)

For each pancake, pour slightly less than 1/4 cup batter from cup or pitcher onto hot griddle. (now's the time to add the bananas and walnuts)

Cook pancake until puffed and dry around edges.

Turn and cook other side until golden brown.

This recipe and the directions are adapted from Betty Crocker's Pancake Recipe