I know that with all the hustle and bustle that goes on in our lives, a lot of us mothers forget to plan a Valentine “something” for our loved ones, be it our partners or our children.

If you are feeling like you are the last person to get on to the Valentine’s band wagon..don’t fret. Trust me…hop on!

Here is something you could make at the very last minute. Pancakes!!!

No batter? There is no need to rush to the supermarket..you can use basic kitchen ingredients to make one yourself. And its a pretty fool-proof recipe too.

No moulds? Not a problem. Fetch your plastic sauce bottles and bring out the artist in you!

Let’s begin..

Ingredients (makes 4 standard size pancakes)
– 1 cup all purpose flour
– 2 tsp baking powder
– 1/4 tsp salt
– 1/4 cup sugar
– 1 cup milk
– 3 egg whites
– 1 tbsp vanilla essence
– 2 tbsp vegetable oil
– 3 ripe bananas (optional)
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For decorating and serving
– chocolate chip
– fresh fruits of your liking
– cooking spray or butter
– maple syrup

Method :

1. In a bowl, mix all the above ingredients in the same order mentioned. Use a wooden spoon for the dry ingredients than switch to a whisk as you slowly pour in the wet ingredients. (Skip the bananas)
2. Whisk until batter is smooth and chunkless. Only then add the bananas and mix again.
3. Spray your pan with the cooking oil or add butter and set on medium high.
4. Spray your moulds well so the batter does not stick to the sides. Place the mould onto the pan and pour in the batter just enough to form a thin layer of pancake (most moulds are high and you will end up with a thick and uncooked pancake if you fill the mould to the top)

Now if you don’t have a mould at hand

4. Get a clean plastic ketchup bottle and fill it with the batter prepared.
5. Set your pan on medium high and draw an outline of the shape you like onto the pan, once its hot. A heart for instance.
6. After a minute (when the outline has settled, fill the inside of the heart with more batter)
7. Cook each side for about 2mins and flip.
8. Add more butter or spray as required.
9. Serve hot with maple syrup and your partners/children’s favourite fruits.

*tips – if you aren’t happy with drawing make alphabets instead. Spell names or simply write “I love you”. On that note, here is wishing you all a happy Valentine’s day!!!

Enjoy