Sustenance for The Spirit
We left the pavement and turned onto a caliche road, which we followed for several miles. Probably seven or eight. Then the road became dirt. On a previous trip, we had been on the road after a good rain and literally kept our fingers crossed that we would not get stuck. This was the path to our friends’ house and they had invited us out to “the country” to spend the night. We knew to expect a lengthy drive on challenging roads, but we anticipated the trip. It was an adventure. They made the trip twice a week (Sundays and Wednesdays) so we knew better than to complain. We were made of tougher stuff.
After we arrived, we enjoyed ourselves immensely. We played cards and dominoes, laughed a lot and ate well. I believe we slept well since we were so far away from noise. Country “noise” is so absent. It sort of wraps around you and slowly squeezes out the rumblings of issues, happenings and worries that would otherwise steal some restfulness.
The hospitality extended to us was gracious and kind, and formed a lovely memory. However, one of the most memorable things to happen during our stay was eating our first “Oven Baked Pancake” with blueberry sauce. It is a wonderful puff pastry type of breakfast entrée, baked in an iron skillet. I would have expected it to be served in a Paris café rather than in the middle of mesquite trees and dirt roads in West Texas, but it was delicious, and became a family favorite. In fact, it became our standard “special” breakfast for company, by request when our sons would have friends stay overnight. Even now, I keep two iron skillets in my cabinet for the purpose of baking two oven pancakes on those occasions when my sons are home. It’s not a difficult recipe, uses basic, simple ingredients you have on hand, and renders hospitality more uniquely than a standard breakfast casserole. Enjoy eating this dish, and enjoy making your family and guests feel extra special, as we did the first time we indulged.
Oven Baked Pancakes
Beat with fork 3 eggs. Slowly mix ½ cup flour, beating constantly. Add ¼ teaspoon salt and ½ cup milk and 2 tablespoons melted butter. Pour into greased 10” iron skillet. Cook 10 minutes at 450 degrees, then 10 minutes at 350 degrees. Pour melted butter over it and sprinkle powdered sugar. Top with fruit of preference.
Have a great day!
