Buttermilk berry Sunday

Mum recently bought Annabel Langbein's latest book (the accompanying show is currently airing on TV1 here in NZ), Through the Seasons.  It's full of really tasty-looking recipes, none of which use crazy ingredients - generally most things are items we would generally have in the cupboard or fridge, and lots of fresh produce.  Basically I think I'll be slowly chipping away at bits and pieces from it for a while.  There's a recipe for brown sugar pavlovas, which I'm gunning for Mum to make.  Best do a few trials before Christmas, Mum.  

Daylight savings began this morning, so when we got up the clock read 7:30 am.  Even though my body still said "Hey, it's 6:30", my brain was happy with that psychological advantage of an extra hour's sleep.  So, out of bed and feeling chipper, pancakes were on the menu.  Buttermilk pancakes with bacon, to be precise.  And blueberries.  Unless there are just none to be found, I gotta have some berries with me pancakes.  I used a recipe from Annabel's new book, and it was hands down the nicest I've ever used at home.  They were light and fluffy, but the outsides were tending towards crispy - I think it's because the recipe has melted butter in it, in addition to the standard milk, egg etc.  

So, for a really kickass start to your weekend, give these a whirl.  Oh - this makes about enough for 5 or 6 people, 'cause one or two cakes was plenty per person.  They were filling!  

2 cups SR flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/4 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla essence
2 cups buttermilk (or 2 cups milk with 2 tbsps lemon juice - let stand together for 5 minutes)
50 g melted butter
berries, maple syrup, lemon etc - or whatever you like to eat with yours

1. Combine dry ingredients in bowl.  Make well in centre.  Add eggs, vanilla, buttermilk and butter, whisk until smooth.  
2. Melt a little butter in frypan.  When hot, drop large spoonfuls of batter in.  Turn when bubbles form (about 2 minutes).  
3. Keep warm in a warmed oven, serve with toppings of choice - and fried bacon!!