How To: Pancake Shapes

Last year I started making AJ fun pancake shapes when I saw a magazine article in Family Fun Magazine. I make him letters, numbers, ghosts, and even teddy bears.

I made an AJ with a simple spoon (and so did Family Fun Magazine) but I found this handy site that actually helps you create fantastic pancake designs. You do need a

pastry bag for these fun shapes (or better yet? Buffaloes and Butterfly Wings says to use an empty mustard bottle

and check out that train!). You can also use an altered plastic bag. Just fill the plastic ziploc bag with the thin batter an

d squeeze all of the batter down to one corner. Cut a s

mall hole in the same corner so that you have a steady stream of batter that comes out of the bag.

1. Happy face: Squeeze out two little eyes and a smiling mouth. Let bake for just a few seconds, then cover completely with batter.
2. Teddy bear: One round spot for a nose, two spots for eyes and a smiling mouth. Let bake for just a moment, then cover completely with batter to make the face and add two round ears at the top.
3. Mouse: Similar to the teddy bear (above), only add whiskers when you do the nose.
4. Flower: Squeeze out round middle, let bake for a moment then surround with round petals. Add a stem if you’re brave.
5. Secret message: Write something (backwards!) on the griddle. Cover with batter. Give it to your brother. Be nice.

PBS also has a great idea for making cookie cutter pancakes to help learn early math.

And, don’t forget that it is easy to make wreaths, simple triangle Christmas trees, stars, presents with ribbons, and for extra credit…a snowflake.

For great GFCF pancakes try Namaste pancake and waffle mix. Or, you can make your own GFCF pancake mix if you are daring.