The Sweetest Things | Be Mine Valentine Chocolate Mint Pancakes | Maggie Perkins

Though the big retail business that is Valentine's Day might suggest otherwise, I've always thought the very sweetest things you could share with the sweetest people in your life are handmade and from the heart. A gander through scrapbooks and hope chests will bear me out-- that second grade valentine that misspelled your Mom's first name is tucked among the most cherished memories where no flashy gifts are stashed. 

Chuck the fancy boxes of chocolates and treat your loves to your personal handiwork in less time, with less cash, and make what truly matters. A precious memory. 

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Chocolate Peppermint Pancakes

Yield: 30 small heart-shaped pancakes

1 ½ cups unbleached all purpose flour

½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1 t baking powder

½ t baking soda

½ t salt

2 cups buttermilk

1 ½ T maple syrup

1 T coconut oil, melted

1t vanilla extract

1t peppermint extract

Sift flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda and salt into mixing bowl. Whisk in buttermilk, maple syrup, coconut oil and extracts until combined. Let batter sit, covered, for 30 minutes.

Spray large nonstick skillet with silicone cooking spray, and heat over medium heat. If using, coat interior of silicone heart-shaped molds with silicone cooking spray. Place molds into preheated skillet. Pour 1/8 cup batter into mold for each pancake. (Alternatively, pour batter into round pancakes about 4” in diameter.) Cook until bubbles form on the surface and edges begin to set. Remove mold and gently flip with a spatula, cooking about 1 minute on opposite side. Remove to paper toweling, and sprinkle with powdered sugar.

Optional: Garnish with edible crushed rose petals. Serve with maple syrup (I used TFM market vendor Stellar Gourmet Mulled Maple Syrup for extra raves.)

Disclosure: This recipe was prepared as a chef demo for Texas Farmers' Markets at Lakeline and Mueller, for which I serve as market chef. Stellar Gourmet Mulled Maple Syrup was provided free of charge to sample at the market. 

If you find yourself in the Austin area on February 25 and 26, come catch an authentic taste of Mardi Gras-- Shrimp Etouffe featuring K&S Seafood. We're going to pass a good time, cher!