Chomps in the Swamp

A few years ago I went to Cracker Barrel and had some AWESOME whole grain and nut pancakes. I’ve been hoping to find a matching recipe ever since. These are pretty darn close! I’m happy. See original recipe here .  INGREDIENTS 1 1/2 cups steel cut oatmeal (not instant) 3/4 cup whole wheat flour 3/4 cup white flour 2 tsp baking soda 1 tsp baking powder 1/2 tsp salt 1/3 cup sugar 1 1/2 cups buttermilk 1 cup milk 1 egg 1/3 cup applesauce (I used Granny Smith unsweetened) DIRECTIONS 1) Combine dry ingredients 2) mix in wet ingredients until incorporated 3) cook on griddle heated to 350 degrees. For me, this recipe made 18 pancakes which were scooped with my 1/4 measuring cup.

WOW. What a versatile recipe this one is. This can be eaten warm or cold. And if you'd like you can easily add veggies, seafood, or chicken. Or all three! A great lightweight side or entree with bright flavor. See original recipe here. Before I get to the recipe, I have to put in a shout out to the gourmet garden lightly dried herbs. I put in a Walmart grocery order and they didn't have fresh basil so they substituted the gourmet garden lightly dried. I always feel guilty when I buy herbs and it comes with more herb than I can use before it goes bad. This lightly dried variety stays fresh for 4 weeks UPON opening! Isn't that great?! I probably will continue to buy this variety. INGREDIENTS : 1 - 16 oz box campanelle pasta 1/4 cup olive oil 1/3 cup pine nuts 3/4 cup parmesan cheese 1/2 of a .42 oz jar of gourmet garden lightly dried basil OR 1/4 cup thinly sliced fresh basil 1 lemon's zest 1/2 lemon's juice (OR about 2-3 tablespoons of lemon ju...