You Can Put an Avocado in Anything

OK, so maybe I've gone off the deep end with this whole pancake kick. Sometimes I get ideas though, and you might find me attempting to hold my family hostage in the kitchen with spatulas pointed at them, forcing them to eat the all the hair-brained ideas I come up with. It's not my fault really, it's just that some foods are so versatile. Pancakes are one of those versatile foods, they can be like your little black dress. You can dress them up or dress them down. They can show up at any meal and be appreciated. There's a reason why some restaurants serve breakfast all day long.

After I came up with the orange-scented ricotta pancakes with chocolate chips I sort of had a "opening the can of worms" moment...but in a good way. No really, I swear. OK, OK...maybe I went a little bit outside the box with this one but you just have to keep an open mind here. It was one of those times like when I would say to my mom, "So, I've been thinking." And she would say, "Do I need to sit down for this?" So take a seat and let me lay out this idea I had.

Cornmeal *deep breath* avocado and lime pancakes.

Are those crickets chirping?

I hope not, because I swear these are good. Think, brunch on Cinco de Mayo. Think, corn chips and guacamole in one happy pancake place. Now top that pancake with some lime sour cream and some fresh salsa. Are you with me here?

We loved the texture of these pancakes. The toppings brought everything together. They make a great, fresh, playful take on lunch. Which I need on a chilly spring day.

Printable version

Cornmeal, Avocado, and Lime Pancakes

(Makes about 15 three inch pancakes)

Ingredients for the toppings:

• 8 ounce container of sour cream
• zest of 1 lime
• juice from 1/2 of the lime
• 1 pint of cherry tomatoes; quartered
• 1/4 cup of red onion; finely diced
• 1/2-1 jalapeno; minced (optional)
• 2 tablespoons of fresh cilantro; minced
• 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar ( or the other 1/2 of the lime)
• salt and pepper to taste

Directions for toppings:

1. In a small bowl mix the sour cream with the zest of the lime and the juice from 1/2 the lime. Set aside.
2. In another small bowl combine the cherry tomatoes, red onion, jalapeno (if using), cilantro, apple cider vinegar (of the juice from the other half of the lime). Mix everything together and season with with salt and pepper. Set aside.

Ingredients for pancakes:

• 3 eggs
• 3/4 cup of milk
• 1 avocado; cut into chunks
• zest of 1 lime
• juice of 1 lime
• 2 tablespoons of butter; melted
• 1 cup of cornmeal
• 1/4 cup of all purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon of salt

Directions for pancakes:

1. In a medium-sized bowl whisk the eggs and set aside.
2. In a blender puree the milk, avocado, lime zest, and lime juice until smooth. Add the puree to the egg along with the melted butter and stir to combine.
3. In a separate bowl whisk together the cornmeal, flour, baking powder, and salt. 
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir to combine. The batter will be thick, this is OK.
5. Heat a griddle to medium-high heat. Spoon 2 tablespoons of batter onto the griddle and smooth it into a round shape. Cook the pancakes for 3-4 minutes, flipping once, until both sides are golden brown.
6. To serve, top a hot pancake with some of the fresh salsa and a spoonful of the sour cream.