Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Pancakes, Anyone?


Pancakes at the counter for breakfast today!

It's suddenly much cooler here again, and I'm fighting a sore throat. I haven't had time to create a new post, so I thought I'd share a little breakfast setting from the past.

Pancakes, anyone?



Many mornings we simply have oatmeal with fresh berries, or during the hot summer months, it is cold cereal with fresh berries. But sometimes we just feel like hot pancakes with maple syrup. The petite counter space between the kitchen and the morning room includes two counter stools and provides a perfect informal dining spot for two.



An Italian planter with pink cyclamen adds a bright backdrop to separate the space from the farm sink in the kitchen.



Fruit inspired textiles from the south
of France lend a touch of Country French.



These 100% cotton placemats with matching napkins are typical of the textiles available in France. I found these at a small shop in Nice for a very reasonable amount.



Our everyday pottery is Petite Fleur by Sigma. It is made in Italy and hand painted.



The mix of French Provencal textiles with the simple decor of the hand painted Italian pottery compliment each other.



These yellow pockets are actually hot pads. The fact that the fabric mixes polka dots, stripes, and checks caught my attention immediately, but my first thought was . . . "Wouldn't these be perfect repurposed as little pockets to hold flatware at a table setting?"



What do you think?



It's a mix of Italian and French, though both with a country feel, and a blue and yellow color palette is always cheerful for breakfast.



We like warm maple syrup with our pancakes, . . .



and this spicy variety is a special treat.



A couple of sausage patties are the perfect side dish. Have to have a little protein to start the day!



Yum! Pancakes are a nice treat once in a while!



If you want a quick, easy, fail proof recipe for pancakes, here it is. I've made these since my single days of sharing an apartment with roommates. Thanks, Margo!

Thanks for joining me today. Click the links below to see what others are sharing this week.











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Sarah
Sarah

The summer we married, my husband was in graduate school, and I was employed as a teacher. We took a portion of our savings that summer and purchased a sailboat. We christened our Catalina 22, “Hyacinths For The Soul” after Saadi’s poem. Our "Hyacinths" provided years of pleasure.

47 comments:

  1. DebbiedoosMarch 30, 2011 at 8:45 PM

    Those look delish Sarah. My older boy learned how to make pancakes last year in school, and I do believe this is the exact recipe. They are so fluffy and good.

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  2. JaneMarch 30, 2011 at 8:51 PM

    Hi Sarah,
    Your table looks gorgeous and I love your idea of using the hot pads for your silverware! I love pancakes and sausage!!
    Love your new header too!
    Jane

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  3. BabsMarch 30, 2011 at 8:53 PM

    Sarah, The pancakes look so yummy with sausage and real maple syrup.
    The pottery plates and mugs are so cute and I like the serving bowl the pancakes are in.
    I hope you feel better soon. It's been cold and rainy here and I'm ready to see the sun. Feel better soon. Hugs, Babs

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  4. Confessions of a Plate AddictMarch 30, 2011 at 9:19 PM

    Yum! I love pancakes and sausage! And they look so perfectly pretty, Sarah! Your tablescape is pretty, too! My new little mister A arrives tomorrow! :-) ...hugs...Debbie

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  5. AnonymousMarch 30, 2011 at 9:40 PM

    :)

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  6. MarlisMarch 30, 2011 at 9:45 PM

    The hot pads to hold the silver is a terrific idea! I love the placemats, what lovely pieces to bring home. They go so perfectly with your dishes. Perfect setting, get better soon! Thanks for droppin in.

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  7. TerriMarch 30, 2011 at 9:47 PM

    I love pancakes! Could I ask if your berries are homegrown? I have four blueberry bushes that are ready to be planted in my yard as soon as this rain stops. Any tips?

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  8. DebbieMarch 30, 2011 at 10:08 PM

    I agree totally about those hot pads, Sarah. They are perfect in that application and so whimsical. I love things like that.

    It all looks so pretty and definitely appetizing. Makes me want to fix a big pancake breakfast.

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  9. Pat @ Mille Fiori FavoritiMarch 30, 2011 at 10:21 PM

    Sarah I also posted about pancakes today! :)
    I love your idea to use the hot pad as a silverware holder...it looks so pretty.
    The Italian planter and dishes are beautiful!

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  10. Lynne (lynnesgiftsfromtheheart)March 30, 2011 at 10:34 PM

    Your tablesetting is lovely and the pancakes look oh so yummy. hugs ~lynne~

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  11. The Quintessential MagpieMarch 30, 2011 at 11:03 PM

    Right over here, Sarah! Waves wildly! I love pancakes!

    I also love those cute plates and wonderful blue napkins. Oh, Sarah, if I could cybersteal, those would be gone! SO cute!

    I always love your table and food scapes.

    XO,

    Sheila :-)

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  12. Mid-Atlantic MarthaMarch 30, 2011 at 11:27 PM

    What a great start of day (or even dinner!) Splendid use of the pot holders.

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  13. PondsideMarch 31, 2011 at 12:03 AM

    What a pretty breakfast setting. I love pancakes and maple syrup - my favorite breakfast! Your recipe is just a little different from the one I make by heart - I'll try yours on the weekend and report back!

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  14. Blondie's JournalMarch 31, 2011 at 12:41 AM

    Sarah,

    Your dishes are just lovely! It's nice that you use them everyday. I like how you repurposed the hot pads...very creative. Love how all the colors work together and your pancakes look scrumptious!

    XO,
    Jane

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  15. xinexMarch 31, 2011 at 12:47 AM

    Your breakfast looks so good, Sarah. Cute tablescape! The kitchen counter is very practical to use for informal meals. We have an island but we can't use it for eating because there is no leg room, instead it is cabinet storage underneath, which is fine cause I need all the storage that I can get...Christine

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  16. BeckyMarch 31, 2011 at 3:25 AM

    Sarah, your pancakes look delicious. And I love your country French/Italian setting. Such a cheerful breakfast!

    Becky

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  17. LynnMarch 31, 2011 at 6:11 AM

    This sure looks tasty Sarah! Such a nice way to start the day, and the next time I make pancakes I'll use your recipe:@)

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  18. AnonymousMarch 31, 2011 at 6:27 AM

    Beautiful table and delicious pancakes, Sarah!

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  19. On Crooked CreekMarch 31, 2011 at 7:24 AM

    Sarah,
    Yum! I love pancakes! The rest of those at my house...not so much. Your recipe appears to be fool proof and easy peasy! Lovely little intimate tablescape. Those little pockets for the flatware were darling! Take care of yourself. I'd been missing you in blogland!
    Fondly,
    Pat

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  20. AnonymousMarch 31, 2011 at 8:35 AM

    Hi Sarah! Oh, I love pancakes and yours are beautiful and look so good! What lovely dishes too! I love the mix of patterns on your linens with the dishes. The big planter with the flowers is just gorgeous!
    Are you going to get to come to my cupboard party on Tuesday? Oh, I hope you can.
    Be a sweetie,
    Shelia ;)

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  21. Nancy's NotesMarch 31, 2011 at 11:15 AM

    Those look scrumptious! I love the Italian planter with pink cyclamen, that has to be the most beautiful planter and plants I've seen! I clicked on it and it was as wide as my screen, just beautiful!

    I hope you get to feeling better. Take care.

    Nancy

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  22. CharoMarch 31, 2011 at 11:26 AM

    Love the beautiful placemats!
    Pancakes! Yummy, yummy!

    Hugs
    Charo

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  23. Susan (Between Naps On The Porch.net)March 31, 2011 at 11:40 AM

    Sarah, those look yummy! Yep, we just have to break out the pancakes every now and then...life is too short. ;) Hope your throat is feeling a lot better!

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  24. The Charm of HomeMarch 31, 2011 at 12:10 PM

    Sarah,
    This is wonderful. I have often thought that Italian and French things mix very nicely. here you have proven it. I love that planter on your bar top. It is all so very pretty! Thanks for linking this to Home Sweet Home too!
    Sherry

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  25. TriciaMarch 31, 2011 at 2:46 PM

    What a delightful breakfast -- and breakfast setting! I really love your cyclamen in the pretty planter. I cannot seem to keep those blooming for long, alas. The plates and napkins make for such a cheery placesetting!

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  26. Sue McPeakMarch 31, 2011 at 2:57 PM

    Love Pancakes...and not just for breakfast....for supper sometimes, too! Beautiful breakfast setting! Feel better soon. Wow..Mother Texas Nature is showin' her stuff these last few cold mornings...perfect pancake weather!

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  27. mgsterMarch 31, 2011 at 3:55 PM

    I love pancakes and now you have made me crave them! :)

    Sweet table and linens!

    ReplyDelete
  28. bjMarch 31, 2011 at 4:24 PM

    O, I do love pancakes and your olden recipe looks just like mine. Only difference is that I add a capful of vanilla.:)
    Your bar setting is just beautiful and I LOVE the pot holders acting like they were MADE to hold flatware. Just perfect!! :)

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  29. MarigeneMarch 31, 2011 at 4:31 PM

    This is a great post for someone who didn't know what she was having for dinner tonight...well, it is going to be pancakes seeing I didn't take anything out of the freezer and am too lazy to go to the market!
    What a delightful breakfast table. The hot pads do make great flatware holders.

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  30. By the BluegrassMarch 31, 2011 at 4:40 PM

    Oh yum yum! Very pretty setting! Hope your sore throat never amounts to much!
    xo,
    Sena

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  31. MaryMarch 31, 2011 at 5:00 PM

    Hi Sarah~ It's been cold & rainy this week so pancakes with your sweet ginger syrup look especially appealing! I love your mix of patterns~ so cheery! Hope your feeling better :-)

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  32. Alycia NicholsMarch 31, 2011 at 6:06 PM

    Hello, sweet Sarah. I am so sorry to hear that you, too, are not feeling 100%. I attribute it to this crazy seesaw weather we've had lately. One day it's in the 70s, a couple of days later there's snow on the ground. Nuts!!! I thought mine was a common cold. I was coughing a lot, etc. Turns out to be pneumonia. NOT my idea of fun! I've wrestled with pneumonia 3 times now in my life, and it's getting a little old! Anyhooooo...I love your pancake post! I have not eaten much of anything for a few days, and those look delicious! Pancakes are good for you! :-) I love the mix of color and design that gives that French Country look. And the little hot pocket for the flatware...fun!!! I hope you feel better quickly and that you have a good weekend. Take wonderful care, and thank you again for stopping by my blog with your well wishes!

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  33. Gypsy HeartMarch 31, 2011 at 8:50 PM

    Delish! I've not heard of that syrup either...thanks for sharing. I love your dishes and placemats, etc. The hot pads are so cute for the silverware!

    We have sunshine again today but I do love pancakes anytime. The cooler mornings we've had are perfect for them aren't they?

    Have a lovely weekend ~
    Pat

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  34. Bargain Decorating with LaurieMarch 31, 2011 at 9:32 PM

    Sarah, I love the mixture of the china pieces in this scape. That planter is gorgeous, and I love your china. How clever to use those hot pads for flatware holders. Breakfast looks delish. laurie

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  35. KathleenMarch 31, 2011 at 9:52 PM

    Sarah, I hope you feel better tomorrow. Drink lots of juice and rest!
    Your pancake breakfast looks delicious!

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  36. ShirleyMarch 31, 2011 at 10:16 PM

    Oh, it's always a good time for pancakes!!! I love the idea for those hot pads for the flatware!!!!

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  37. Courtney ~ French Country CottageMarch 31, 2011 at 11:04 PM

    Hi Sarah~ Pancakes are wonderful anytime- I love having breakfast for dinner sometimes too! :) Your table looks charming and love the hot mitts for your silverware- great idea! Thanks for sharing at FNF! :)

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  38. Patricia @ ButterYumMarch 31, 2011 at 11:29 PM

    Oh my, Sarah, what a beautiful table and breakfast. I'm so inspired by your lovely blog.

    Have a blessed weekend!

    :)
    ButterYum

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  39. Sherry @ No Minimalist HereApril 1, 2011 at 1:46 PM

    Hi Sarah! The pancakes look wonderful but I can't take my eye off the fabulous planter. Love the placemats and dishes. Thank you for sharing your pretty breakfast table at my party.
    xo,
    Sherry

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  40. Allison @ Alli 'n SonApril 1, 2011 at 3:54 PM

    Yes please! Can I have mine with chocolate chips?

    I'd like to invite you to share this recipe with my linky, Sweet Tooth Friday. I hope to see you there.
    http://alli-n-son.com/2011/03/31/toffee-snickerdoodle-cookies/

    ReplyDelete
  41. AnonymousApril 1, 2011 at 8:00 PM

    So many Favorite Things, it is hard to choose which one to enjoy most!

    ReplyDelete
  42. Whats Cookin Italian Style CuisineApril 2, 2011 at 7:03 PM

    Gorgeous tablewear wow, the pancakes are in good company and look marvelous, I want some for dinner! Thanks for your visit and lovely comment!

    ReplyDelete
  43. Donna@Conghaile CottageApril 3, 2011 at 7:45 PM

    I Hope you are feeling better Dear Sarah!!! HUGS to you!!! Oatmeal is one of my VERY FAVORITE FOODS! and Oh Yes pancakes can always be a runner up! Your breakfast setting is WONDERFUL! I LOVE those dishes AND that planter is incredibly beautiful! NOW, WHAT are your pancakes displayed on. LOVE THAT! I am addicted to dishes with handles(can NEVER have enough of them, hehe)... Thank you for inviting us for Breakfast!
    Hugs to you,
    Donna

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  44. AmyApril 3, 2011 at 7:47 PM

    I love your simple and comforting breakfast. Lovely tablescape too. You have a lovely site and I surely will come back. :) I'm your newest follower.

    BTW, I'm hosting a little GIVEAWAY on my blog. Please come check it out when you have time.

    http://utry.it/2011/04/two-leaves-and-bud-tea-company-product.html

    Amy
    http://utry.it

    ReplyDelete
  45. Sense of Home KitchenApril 4, 2011 at 10:12 AM

    I love those "yellow pocket hot pads".

    -Brenda

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  46. DeannaApril 4, 2011 at 11:35 AM

    Pancakes plez! Looks so good.
    Thx for preparing this post to share.

    God bless,
    d from homehaven

    ReplyDelete
  47. Sandi @the WhistleStop CafeApril 7, 2011 at 10:05 PM

    I hope you are all better by now ~ It only took me a week to pop in and check on you!

    ReplyDelete

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