Valentine’s Day breakfast…in bed

by Scotty Irani
Food Columnist

​I have said it before and I will say it again… if you truly want to show someone that you love them, cook something!

Keep your tiny blue ring boxes, heart shaped candy containers, and the flowers (well…no, I’ll be expecting flowers later in the day!), serve me breakfast in bed Valentine’s Day morning and I’m yours forever…however long forever lasts.

For me, it’s Buttermilk Ricotta Pancakes and Candied Pepper Bacon…in bed! Please enjoy this delicious recipe with your true love…or whomever you choose this Valentine’s Day. It’s a Sunday morning this year, so it will be just perfect.

Wishing you a very happy Valentine’s Day… like I said, do not forget the flowers!

Buttermilk Ricotta Pancakes

2 eggs, whites separated from the yolks

3/4 cup buttermilk

1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese

2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

1 cup unbleached white or whole wheat pastry flour (may use all-purpose flour)

1 tablespoon dark brown sugar

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

Pinch of salt

Softened or whipped butter, for serving

Warmed maple syrup, for serving   

1. Separate the egg yolks from the whites. Beat the egg whites with a handheld electric mixer or whisk until stiff peaks form, about five minutes. Begin slowly heating your pancake syrup
2. Meanwhile, combine the ricotta, buttermilk, egg yolks, and vanilla in a separate, larger mixing         bowl. Add the flour, baking soda, brown sugar, and salt to the ricotta and buttermilk mixture, stirring gently until just combined.
3. Stir a small scoop of the egg whites into the pancake batter to lighten the batter, then fold in the remaining whites with a spatula.
4. Heat a skillet on medium heat. Grease with butter or cooking spray. Pour 1/3 cup pancake batter on the center of the hot pan. Cook until bubbles appear on the surface. Using a spatula, gently flip the pancake over and cook the other side for a minute, or until golden. Repeat with the remaining batter. Keep your pancakes warm until ready to serve, and have a side of the syrup ready to go.

Candied Pepper Bacon

1/2 pound thick cut bacon

1 - 2 tablespoons fresh cracked or salad grind black pepper

1/4 cup dark brown sugar

                  Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. On a wire rack setting on top of a cookie sheet, or parchment paper lined cookie sheet, lay out your bacon. Setting on a wire rack insures extra crispiness.

                  Sprinkle the top of the bacon with brown sugar, cover evenly. Next sprinkle with cracked black pepper to taste.

                  Place the cookie sheet in the oven and cook 20-25 minutes. Remove from the oven and let rest around five minutes. Serve with your pancakes. 

The Gayly- 2/13/2016 @ 8:13 AM CST