Sausage Pancakes + an ode to the internet

I’ve been using the internet for a long time now. Probably since I was around 10 years old, when my dad helped me sign up for my first email account. That day, my parents warned me of the dangers of the web. I was told to never use my real name and to never chat with anyone I didn’t know.

When I started my blog, back in 2008, I still looked at the internet that way. A cold, impersonal place. A place to read the news and check email. Then, people started commenting. I started finding other blogs. Blogs filled with beautiful words, personal stories, pictures, names. Suddenly, the internet felt friendly, warm. It wasn’t a solitary activity anymore, it was all about interaction and sharing.



I could have never imagined back then I’d meet really good friends through twitter. I couldn’t have imagined that I’d find my passion through blogging, that I’d be speaking at a blogging conference only 2 1/2 years later. (Yes! I’m speaking at Blogher Food 2011! Will you be there? Let me know!)

It’s crazy, but the internet, and blogging have quite literally changed my life. Without it, I wouldn't have had an outlet for my creativity, that lead to my renewed passion for photography. I wouldn't have some of the friends I have now, as we live in different parts of the world.
And for that, I am thankful.

This recipe? It comes from another internet friend, Elisabeth. She posted about this ages ago and I’ve been making them since. It’s not so much a recipe as it is a suggestion, an idea. Sausage IN your pancakes, instead of beside them. It’s pretty awesome. I’m including my favorite pancake recipe, but if you already have a fave, just add sausage!



Near Perfection Pancakes

1 1/2 cups flour
2 1/2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
1 tbs sugar
1 egg, beaten
3 tbs melted butter
1 cup milk (buttermilk is fantastic)
breakfast sausage, cooked & crumbled

Combine flour, baking powder, salt and sugar in a medium bowl, whisk to combine. Add egg & butter, stir lightly. Add milk and whisk - not too much, it’ll make your pancakes rubbery.

Heat about half a tablespoon of butter a frying pan over medium-high heat. Pour or scoop the batter onto the griddle, using approximately 1/3 cup for each pancake. Add sausage to the top, before flipping. Brown both sides. Top with maple syrup & enjoy!