Breakfast Tips
Our family has a tradition that every Saturday, we have pancakes together. As our kids
have gotten older and more involved in activities, it has become harder and harder to
find free Saturdays when we can relax around a plate of hotcakes. That’s why, on
vacation, I make it a priority to serve my family pancakes. It’s a way to continue the
tradition of enjoying family time as we linger over a stack of hot pancakes.
Whether on vacation, at your home, or serving breakfast for guests, here are my
favorite tips to perfecting gluten-free pancakes, bacon and eggs.
Pancakes
- Boxed Mix – Coming from a food blogger, this might sound silly…but I still use a boxed mix when making pancakes. I’ve tried so many gluten-free recipes and so far nothing comes close to this boxed mix. The best part is that whether your guests are gluten-free or have no dietary restrictions, they will all love these pancakes. When I have served these to guests, they have been completely shocked to find out these pancakes are gluten-free.
- Vanilla – I like to add a splash of vanilla (1-2 teaspoons) to the pancake batter. It truly makes the pancakes taste homemade. This goes for any boxed mix – brownie mix, cake mix, etc. My favorite vanilla is this Mexican vanilla. It’s truly amazing, and due to the size, it will last all year.
- Butter + Oil – If you add a tablespoon of butter and avocado oil to your skillet, it gives
your pancakes this light and crispy crust just on the outside of the pancakes that is truly
incredible. My dad always made pancakes for me like this growing up, and it will always
be my favorite way to cook, eat, and enjoy pancakes. - Flavors – Our favorite add-ins are chocolate chips, fresh blueberries, and sliced
bananas. Once the pancake mix is poured onto the skillet or griddle, sprinkle on your
chocolate chips or blueberries or lay banana slices in an even layer. - Toppings – You can go with butter and syrup, or get really creative and set out bowls of
fresh strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries, chocolate chips, dye-free sprinkles and
even whipped cream.
Eggs
- Water – Adding about one teaspoon of water per egg when beating them creates
lighter and fluffier texture. That’s because the eggs trap more air and steam while
cooking. - Low Temperature + Minimize Movement – Cooking eggs on low heat while minimizing
movement allows for a more gentle cooking process that results in a creamier final product. The proteins in the eggs coagulate slowly and evenly without becoming rubbery or overcooked.
Sheet Pan Bacon
- Sheet Pan – My favorite way to cook bacon is on a sheet pan. It comes out nice and crispy every time!
- Parchment Paper – Preheat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. While the oven preheats, line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Flat – It’s important that you lay the bacon flat, ensuring that the pieces don’t overlap to ensure even cooking.
- Rotate – Depending on your oven, you may need to rotate the bacon midway through the baking process to be sure each piece is cooking evenly (about 10-12 minutes into the cooking process).
- Cook Time – The actual cook time will vary based on the thickness of your bacon. I would say anywhere from 15-25 minutes. In the event your oven is cooking unevenly you can always remove the pieces cooked to your liking while the rest continues to cook.
- Paper Towel – When the baking has finished cooking, remove with tongs and place on a plate lined with paper towels.