Delectables with Dan: Pumpkin Spice Pancakes (Vegan)

Holy Christ, it's already November. Can you believe it? I sure as hell can't. It seems like October was here for a moment then was over before I could even exhale. That being said, we're still in pumpkin season! I wanted to make these the other weekend, but in all honesty, I forgot. I got distracted and well, you can imagine the rest. For this recipe, I'm gonna be a basic white bitch and whip up some pumpkin spice pancakes. Yep. You heard right. And yeah, for dinner as well! I'm an adult, I do what I want. Let's embrace the pumpkin, shall we? I didn't use fresh pumpkin because really I don't have time for that. Pumpkin outta the tin as long as its 100% pumpkin is still ace. Makes no difference really. We're going to be pairing this up with some nice hash browns because it wouldn't really be a meal without hash browns. Actually, it would be; that's a lie, I'm just really fuckin' hungry. 

PANCAKES 

1 1/4 c. whole wheat flour *140g 

3 tablespoons Stevia (or sugar/sugar substitute of choice) 

1 tablespoon baking powder (bicarb of soda + cream of tartar) 

1/4 teaspoon salt 

3/4c almond milk *180ml

1/3c pumpkin puree *75g

1 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin spice 

WHAT IS PUMPKIN SPICE?? 

You hear the term all the time, but do you really know what it is? It's actually not a single spice at all and it's not made from ANYTHING pumpkin at all. It's a combination of spices that are very commonly associated with pumpkin-based products and recipes, hence the name. In some places, you can buy a premixed pumpkin spice seasoning. If you can't where you're from or you can't find it, it's very simple to make! You just need cinnamon, ginger and nutmeg. Some people also add cloves and allspice. Most of the time I don't. If you're wanting to make your own, simply use the following.

2 teaspoons ground ginger 

3 tablespoons ground cinnamon 

2 teaspoons ground nutmeg 

1 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice 

1 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves

And yes, all of them need to be ground before you pop them into a small bowl. Combine all together and add to whatever it is you're making! This will work great for the pumpkin pie pancakes as well as breads or the popular PUMPKIN PIE! I'm going to do a spooky pumpkin pie this month, so keep an eye out for that as I prepare to make that. I'm really looking forward to baking a pumpkin pie. I haven't in the longest time! I'm gonna get really creative this year, I think. I just am filled with all kinds of cheer. It's strange. Probably a residual high. Who knows? 

                                                               LET'S COOK! 

In a large mixing bowl combine the flour, pumpkin puree, sugar, baking powder and salt. Add in your almond milk & pumpkin spice mix, blending well. The batter may be on the thick side, if so, simply add a splash more almond milk. As you all know, I love things thick, but not too thick. I mean, is there really a thing as too thick? I think it depends on the person...I mean, let's get back to the pancakes. 

Using a large cooking spoon or a ladle, evenly spoon out/ pour out the batter into a skillet that's been misted with non-stick cooking spray. That's vital. You never go in dry, do you? No. Same rules apply here. You want the pan to be nice and warm when you pour your batter into it. That's another cardinal rule that applies to cooking as well. Always preheat before you put things inside other things. Well, not everything, but I think you guys get my drift. It should take about 6-7 minutes for each pancake side to cook thoroughly. Be sure that they are fully cooked before removing them from the heat. If you don't you might be left with a pumpkin spice mess, not something flavourful and tasty. 

The best part about these pancakes is that you can slather them in almond butter and syrup or even chocolate sauce! A mate of mine made some pumpkin chocolate chip pancakes (I can't for the life of me remember if she added the spice mixture to it) and melted some chocolate chips to pour over her pancakes! 

HASHBROWNS 

3 large potatoes (washed) *Roughly 700g or 1 1/2lbs

1/2 all-purpose flour *63g

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 teaspoon fresh black pepper 

1/2 teaspoon garlic salt 

1/4c shredded vegan cheese of choice *25g 

You're going to want to wash and peel your potatoes first shot out of the gate. Once you've done this, you're going to shred them. You can use a hand grater or use a food processor. It doesn't matter which you use, the processor is faster, but the results are more or less the same. Place the potato shreds into a large bowl and pour water over them. Allow them to sit; the water will get cloudy, that's what you want. Rise and add fresh water; repeat until the water is pretty much clear, then fully drain. Using your hands, squeeze out any of the excess water that is hiding in the potato shreds. You can use the same bowl as you soaked them in for the next step. Add the potato shreds into a large mixing bowl, add the flour, oil and seasoning. Mix together well. Then add your cheese if you are using cheese. Mix together well. Work the "dough" into little balls. Once you've done that with all of the mixture you have, carefully press them down into little patty shapes. If you have a hamburger press, you can use it to help you with this! 

Heat your frying pan with a little bit of olive oil. Once the pan/oil is hot, add in your hashbrowns. You don't want to put them in before the pan/oil is hot otherwise it will soak up the oil and make a greasy mess. You want them to crisp up, not be a soggy pile of shite.  Fry until the patties are crisp and appear to be a golden brown colour. It should take about 5 minutes per side. When you remove from the pan, place them on a plate lined with a paper towel or a few coffee filters to help absorb any excess oil.

Maybe I should do a stoned baking instalment? Maybe film some little clips of me high off my arse baking? I remember I dropped some, I think it was Percocet or Vicodin and went to make brownies one time. I'm thinking I want to try this again. Maybe I'll even bake with the edibles? Melt some of the chocolate down for something? I don't know how that would work, though. I'd have to look into that before I make any commitments. 

Since my last blog 'Dan's Halloween High' was rather popular, I've decided to embrace it and do a few other blogs on the subject! I'm going to do one on smoking vs edibles; the difference I experience between the highs and talk about my few favourites so far. I'm thinking of calling the series Dan's High Flying Adventures. I'll also talk about some of my best highs and my worst highs, give little recommendations on snacks while stoned and more. I'm actually really looking forward to this little series! I won't update it ALL the time because I have a lot of responsibilities but there will be a good number of episodes. And yes, before I start getting questions, the American state I am currently in, has legalised marijuana for adult use as well as medical use. I'm not ashamed or worried about others finding out; also my boss knows that I've used it. I don't arrive fucked up and I perform well. No secrets.