Jun 21, 2010

Ricotta Blueberry Pancakes + Mini Frittatas + Mimosas = Yummy Breakfast for Dinner

New Year's Day 2009 I started my year off the right way by making pancakes for breakfast. More hungover than I've ever been in my life and wearing a pink South Carolina Gamecocks shirt against my own will, I dragged myself into the kitchen to make blueberry pancakes for a bunch of boys watching football. When you feel like death, pancakes really speed up the revival process. I then went on a pancake binge for a couple months, broke up with them, and start dating oatmeal. We've been dating ever since, but last week when somebody told me you could make pancakes with ricotta, I knew I was going to have an affair.

On a Food Network episode of "The Best Thing I Ever Ate," Aida Mollenkamp raves about the ricotta blueberry pancakes featured at the Los Angeles restaurant, BLD. Ricotta? In your pancakes? Doesn't ricotta go in lasagna? Yes...but ricotta in pancakes sounded like a marvelous idea that I needed to try. I searched through the blogosphere for a recipe until I found the winner: Mark Bittman's Light, Fluffy and Rich Pancakes.

These pancakes are special for two reasons: the use of ricotta and yogurt, and the separation of the eggs. The egg yolks are mixed in with the wet ingredients and the whites are whipped until stiff. After mixing the wet and dry ingredients, you then gently fold in the egg whites. 

Before any mixing or whipping, there was some drinking...of mimosas. Sunday night breakfast with alcohol, sure, why not?
Well, maybe because champagne makes a normally clumsy girl extra clumsy and knock over a pint of blueberries...
and then have to clean them up...
The pancake batter was really light but thick. I scooped a large amount into the pan and flattened it out a bit so they were more even. 
 The pancakes had a nice crispy outer layer with a really tender inside. I'm telling you, these pictures do not do them justice. They were so soft with a creamy, cheesy middle that burst with flavors of blueberry.  Moaning at the table may have happened. 
As a side, I made the most adorable mini frittatas that I found here. I mixed 4 eggs whites + 1 egg with sauteed spinach, tiny pieces of pepperoni, bits of paranno cheese and s&p. 
 
I poured them into a muffin pan and baked for 30 minutes at 350*. They were like egg cupcakes! With each one having different amounts of the ingredients, it was a surprise in each bite! 
You have to make these pancakes! I was seriously sitting at the table saying "Oh my gosh" and "These are soooooooo gooooood" on repeat. I promise it wasn't because I drank half a bottle of champagne. As far my history with pancakes, they really were "the best thing I ever ate."

Question: What do you like in your pancakes? Fruit, nuts, spices? What do you top your pancakes with? I never use butter because I think it takes away from the pancake flavor. Jenna loves peanut butter! Tell me about the best pancakes you've ever had!

I want to thank each and every one of you who comments on my posts. You guys have no idea how happy each one makes me. Whether you write one sentence or a paragraph, it makes me smile. I absolutely love hearing from you. I can't tell you how many times I've gotten a compliment on my blog from someone that I had no idea was a reader. If you're out there, feel free to say hello! I welcome positive and constructive feedback from everyone :) Happy Monday!

55 comments:

  1. I love ricotta in sweet dishes. Try it over grilled peaches and you'll die!

    I like bananas on my hotcakes.

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  2. There is definitely something to be said for savory pancakes! (althought I'd do it sans blueberries because I'm not a fan...). But I've definitely done the cheese and seasoning and such and used eggs as a topper... weird but it works!

    For my standard whole wheat pancakes, I'm a big believer of almond butter and melted chocolate chips on top... soooo good!

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  3. Those pancakes look phenomenal. My hubby and I love pancakes on weekend mornings and BFD. I am def going to try these!

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  4. They look great. My daughter loves pancakes with banana slices and maple syrup, I like strawberries and whipped cream myself.

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  5. hahah u are such a cutie!

    im forever dropping stuff on the floor, especially things that like to roll lol.

    blueberry pancakes are all over the blogosphere right now- but i totally get why! theyre super delicious <3

    xoxo

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  6. Blueberry and walnut pancakes with true 100% maple syrup. ::swoon::!

    I've got to try those frittatas...do you know if they freeze well?

    I agree wit you on comments; they just make my day! Comments... and mimosas ;)

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  7. ha It seems that we are having a love affair with the same two foods. Pancakes AND oatmeal! I over did it with the oats for now and so pancakes and I have been dating for oh...a month now. They treat me well... :)
    These look awesome, I'm definitely bookmarking these! Thanks for sharing!

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  8. I recently broke with pancakes (aka I got lazy) but I think I'm ready to give them a try again!! These look yummy. I normally put almond butter and banana in mine. Oh and your mimosas look pretty!

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  9. oh man, some classic buttermilk pancakes from a diner are the best!! recently i had some really creative pancakes in a "pancake flight" and they were drizzled with carmelized bananas, chocolate sauce, creams, etc. DELISH!! yours look AMAZING. they're soooo big!

    i looooove that show, the best thing i ever ate. i am never hungry when im watching it but by the end, i'm dying for some grub.

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  10. I tried to make pancakes this morning and failed miserably. I don't discriminate though, I like almost anything in my pancakes - sweet or savory!

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  11. Those look insane girlie! Umm..where are mine?? Ha! I'm going to make those for sure! I don't do butter either. I'm thinkin you are the only other person I've heard say that!

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  12. PEANUT BUTTER!!!!!! ALWAYS PEANUT BUTTER!!! My boyfriend and friends have recently made fun of me because the only ingredients I've ever used for pancakes is water. yep, water! I was fine with this until....I had pancakes that were made with egg and vanilla! WHATTT!!! I'm hooked.

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  13. I love blueberry pancakes!!! My favorite toppings are peanut butter and mashed banana, or just a drizzle of real, pure maple syrup.

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  14. I love love love that show "The Best Thing I Ever Ate". I get soooo many ideas from it. These look really good.

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  15. Whoop. I want one...now ;) Totally making these- book marking for Brinner one night to come. Your mimosas look pretty darn good too. In my pancakes I like bananas and chocolate chips. On top- either nothing or just a hint of syrup. Deliciousness

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  16. I see now that everyone is making pancakes!! U are too!! lol! Love the pancakes, my fave pancakes are blueberry ones!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    I love that show on food network! Mike and I always note the places they go and eat amazing things, and always say we have to go there if we are ever in that state or city!!

    Oh you will be a fab mom with a fab child for sure!! Anthony is the best, being a mom is a hard job but the most rewarding job ever!!!

    love u girl!!! Your comments always make my day, you are so sweet and full of love!

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  17. what a coincidence. . i just had pancakes yesterday. . and haven't had them in about 2 years!! i will try these next time. . they look YUMMY!

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  18. I watched this episode and am drooooling over those pancakes! They look incredible. For Mother's day I had a cinnamon-rasin bread that was grilled and served with marscapone. It was to die for, and reminds me a lot of those pancakes. Pancakes in general just make everything better.

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  19. The pancakes look AMAZING! Can't wait to try them- thanks for sharing! BTW- do you have the nutrition facts on these?

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  20. I just occured to me that you are an Amanda Seyfried look-alike! (Although, I think you're prettier because your hair is way hotter!)

    I really want some blueberry pancakes now!!

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  21. SO when are you having me over for breakfast? or lunch? or supper? I'll take whatever I can get. I just WANT some of your cooking!!!!

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  22. Those pancakes look so good. I love to either add them to the batter, or to add them on top after they're done.

    And mimosas make such a great addition to brunch or breakfast. I rarely have them, but love them.

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  23. what an awesome meal! "the best thing I ever ate" is one of my favorite FN shows!! i just saw that episode and aida was literally making my mouth water. I say the mimosas don't hurt either ;)

    hope you had a good weekend!! :)

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  24. I haven't made pancakes in forever because I'm way too lazy in the mornings to whip up a batch. But I like to top my toaster-made waffles with berries, banana and maple syrup!

    I'm in love with that white shirt of yours! So cute. :)

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  25. I adore your top. Too cute!
    And I so just saw that episode on food network yesterday - i knew exactly what you were talking about! haha. the pancakes look just perfect, and so do the frittatas. yum!
    i love maple syrup and/or fresh fruit on my pancakes.

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  26. I had to laugh out loud with the blueberries on the floor. Gravity seems to take a special liking to me too. :)

    My husband is a pancake fiend and I think he would love these! He says mine are the best (which is saying something because his mother is quite the cook herself) because they're light and fluffy.

    I like mine with fresh blueberries and REAL maple syrup.

    Seeing how I have cooked nothing all day, these might be just the thing!

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  27. omg...this seriously looks like the BEST breaky ever! i most certainly have to try the pancakes. i love cheese, blueberries AND pancakes...but all together??? ahhh. heaven. in. my. mouth! your blog is also too cute! xo

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  28. The Best Thing I Ever Ate makes me drool...And so do your pancakes!! I ordered lemon-ricotta pancakes at a restaurant once and they were to die for.

    Must try this recipe. I think I'll make mine with bananas though, as they are my favorite pancake mix-in.

    Loving the mini-frittatas! Small versions of regular foods are so fun to eat!

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  29. I absolutely LOVE pancakes! I have them every week - usually banana walnut with maple syrup but occasionally I'll mix it up with strawberries or blueberries. I will definitely try these, they sound amazing!

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  30. This meal looks awesome! I've never made pancakes with ricotta or even thought to do so! And the mini-frittatas are too cute!

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  31. I love that you were talking about moaning at the table---too funny (I do the same thing though so not hating in any way!)

    Ok, so do they taste ricotta like? I cannot stand ricotta, which seeing that I'm Italian should be against the law, but made cottage cheese pancakes and loved them.

    I like to mix it up with mine---blueberries, pb, bananas, random fruits, coconut, chocolate syrup, the list goes on....

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  32. wow those pancakes sound AMAZING!
    and i think mimosas with dinner sound great! ;) thats so cute how you put strawberries in the glass- i'm gonna have to try it!

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  33. I don't like butter on pancakes either. But then again I don't really like butter at all. I just figure if you can't taste it why waste the fat and calories? I either keep it traditional with real maple syrup (rare) or I use jam or nut butter. If I don't have maple syrup I'll use honey or agave, but never the fake stuff. My fave thing to put inside is bananas, I love how warm they get. Chocolate chips with banana or coconut with banana= awesome too.

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  34. Boo... I made a comment yesterday and I must have forgotten to press the "Submit" button! (Rae = Flit!)

    I used to LOVE banana-walnut pancakes ... but really, anything that sweet carbohydrate goodness is wonderful. LIke coconut, chocolate chip pancakes! Or pumpkin chocolate chip pancakes! i could go on...

    I TOO love comments - and I hardly every get any! (however you, my dear, are my truest fan :) ) What's the secret? Do I need to get on Twitter???

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  35. Girl...You make me smile.

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  36. I loveeee ricotta pancakes! I need to make them again soon thanks to you (: And those frittatas? You need to get yourself up to my house and make me breakfast girl!

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  37. I'm so glad I found your blog!! And it looks like I came across it on the perfect day - I LOVE pancakes, AND have some extra ricotta in my fridge to use up!
    I agree, comments are super fun! :-D

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  38. You look glamorous when you bake.

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  39. Hi Christina -

    You have no idea who I am but I just wanted you to know that I love your blog! I live with Courtney Clarkson in NYC and she introduced me to your blog because she knows I love cooking/food as much as you. I read your blog pretty religiously and have tried out several of your recipes! I also appreciate the restaurant recommendations; my parents have a house on Folly Beach that I will be visiting during the first two weeks of July. I already told my Mom that I have new restaurants for us to try out when I'm down there :) The Mustard Seed is one of my favorite places, but I am excited to try the new bakery & Blvd. Diner. Thanks again for all the tips & inside info on great food & great restaurants -- keep the posts coming!

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  40. OH EM GEE! I am coming over for breakfast... and lunch... and dinner! All of the yummyness in this post has me drooling at my desk. Also, strawberries in the mimosa, brilliant!

    My favorite pancakes are pretty standard, chocolate chip topped with berries and syrup!

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  41. Oh holy yum!! Pancakes and mimosas for dinner - I'm not sure life gets better than that! I must try these out this weekend. Maybe brunch. Maybe dinner. Maybe both.

    My favorite pancakes are always sweeeeeeeet - like chocolate and peanut butter. Or cinnamon/sugar. I don't like syrup (usually) or butter - but sometimes I'll drizzle agave on top.

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  42. Love it! Seriously mimosas for dinner...you might be my new favorite person! haha!

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  43. Yummers - the pancakes look fantastic. I love yogurt and strawberries on my pcakes! Also glad you enjoyed the mini frittatas!

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  44. You're gorgeous in each and every one of these pictures. You even look good picking up blueberries. I mean, what?

    And yes, I'm a big fan of mimosas on Sunday, no matter what time of day. :)

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  45. 1. love the background
    2. you look GORGEOUS
    3. i need those mini frittatas
    4. i've knocked the blueberries over plenty of times
    5. pancakes with ANYTHING + powdered sugar is my go-to
    6. IM JEALOUS OF ALL OF YOUR COMMENTS miss popularrr
    7. i need that white top

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  46. I've been wanting to try ricotta pancakes for a while and yours look great! I love adding sprinkles to pancakes for birthdays and other special occasions worth celebrating :) It's like a funfetti pancake!

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  47. Wow! Fancy pants with those baby frittatas!! I want to make!! I'm not a pancake person. I know, I know. And i'm allergic to blueberries - eek! I hate spilling in the kitchen, especially with Reuben - he would have gotten one and run off to hide and eat it! LOL

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  48. I love breakfast for dinner, SO good, yum! our top is so cute too.

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  49. Hi, It's me Val...your secret blog follower for quite sometime! After reading your most recent post you have encouraged me to make my first post. I love all your posts, have a desk job and check the blog everyday! When you don't write a post for a day I actually am sad that I have nothing new and exciting to read.

    I share your zest for exercise, the same foods and have tried quite a good amount of the recipes you have posted! Keep up the great work and thank you for all the work you put into the blog. I've even considered starting one myself someday! :)

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  50. Those Mimosas looks absolutely fabulous! I am also loving the mini frittatas how fancy!

    xo

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  51. Christina- thank ya sweetie- I love my sassy little top! lol You are too cute!
    I am not sure what happened with the e-mail, but I have not recieved it. Send it to emilyalford@usouthal.edu That is my work account where I spend most of my time :) Thanks again! Love, E

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  52. I'm going to make these ASAP - and where did you get that shirt?? I love it!

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  53. Ooo breakfast for dinner has to be one of my favs!

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  54. Fresh Blackberry pancakes are my favorite! I enjoy the tartness of the blackberry with the sweet pancake. I also always add Ground Flaxseed...my attempt at making them not such a guilty indulgence. I enjoy your blog, especially when sitting through boring 4 hour classes that go through dinner time :)

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