Pancakes And Powdered Sugar
I’m supposed to get a few recipes together for an article about my new book The Man She Married. The request sent me into a mini-panic because I don’t cook.
Innocent Husband says I “cook by fire alarm.” As in, when the fire alarm goes off because of billows of black smoke I know that the food is burned enough.
Rebel Dancing Daughter, Darling Laughing Son, and Adventurous Singing Daughter once told me that I “re-heat” food. I told them they didn’t starve when they were kids, did they, so what the heck was the problem?
They laughed.
I told them in a grumpy voice that they were all grounded.
They laughed again.
Luckily, I have my late father’s recipe for buttermilk pancakes that he used to make for us every Saturday when we were kids, so – whew – I would use that.
But they needed a photo so I had to make the pancakes, and yes, I managed to pour half a bag of powdered sugar over the top. Why did I need a sprinkle of powdered sugar over the top? Because I burned parts of the pancakes.
I am going back to what I do best: Eating. Reading. Daydreaming. But if YOU need the best pancakes in the world, here’s the recipe.
My Dad’s Delicious Buttermilk Pancakes
Three cups buttermilk
Two and a half cups flour
Two eggs, beaten
One tablespoon baking powder
One teaspoon salt
Three quarters teaspoon baking soda
One tablespoon hot water
Two tablespoons corn syrup
Mix the buttermilk and flour. Cover and let stand in the fridge for 12 hours. The next DAY add the beaten eggs, baking powder, salt, dissolve the baking soda in the hot water. Add the corn syrup.
Mix again. Heat that griddle up and enjoy.
(Don’t burn them. The fire alarm will go off. Trust me. I know this.)
Cathy, you are hilarious! I always love your characters, especially the main one where your own voice slides through inside each book you write. But, then the other characters have pieces of you and other people you know or embellishments of who you think they are, who they might want to be, or ghosts. Writing is all about imagination and passion, isn’t it?
I am in the middle of reading “The Language of Sisters” and so excited that after I am finished with it I have “The Man She Married” to look forward to!
1I am not even sure you get these writings I have sent to you because I do not receive a response as I do with other writers I have written to. Could you let me know or else it is kind of a fruitless endeavor on my part.
Thanks!
Stephanie (it was fun reading a book with a character named Stephi) . 🙂
Stephanie,
2I am so sorry I have not responded to your letter in an even somewhat timely manner! Yes, you are right. (I almost wrote, “Yes, you are WRITE.”) Writing is about imagination. And a love for words and story telling. Thank you so much for reading my books. I promise I will try to be much faster here on responding to notes from readers. Friend me on Facebook, I’m much better there. Happy reading!
Dear Cathy:
I was going through withdrawal; your book came out just in time! I absolutely love your writing, but find myself wanting to be the woman in the books!
I, too, find gardening my source of therapy! I lived in the country on a farm with my kids raising pigs which I miss every day, so living in town with a very small garden is now my life…..I am sure my neighbors also think I am a loony tune when I wander out in my pajamas talking to my dog who is a very old pug!
You are truly an inspiration. I want to write a book and need to get my arse in gear and try. You once gave me advise which I have on my bulletin board. I just keep procrastinating! Actually, my son has been very ill, however, finally there is a light at the end of the tunnel and this time I do not think it is an oncoming train!
Keep writing. I look so forward to each book.
Yes, you have a handsome husband and I love the Halloween stuff. However, I would run if I was a little kid knocking on your door! Those Scream costumes have always freaked me out.
If it was appropriate, I would love to meet you because you sound like my type of friend! I would think that sounds creepy when you are famous!
Looking forward to getting your book. I am once again procratinating because I should be doing the endless paperwork that appears out of nowhere as I get older. Sharon Studdert
3Sharon,
I am so sorry that your son has been ill. I so hope that he is better now. How stressful and difficult.
Glad you like gardening! Here in Oregon, it’s almost time. Our weather forecasters have been predicting tons of snow…so far, nothing to speak of on my side of town, the sun is shining, and I’m going to walk by a stream. I think I’m ready for spring and gardening time! I hope you like my next book. Thanks so much for reading it!
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