Remnants of Summer V: Banana Anise Seed Pancakes & Large Fry-Up Version!

Raw, leafy, fresh foods are delicious and refreshing in the summer, naturally. And then you get those lovely, cozy mornings where nothing will do but to have a big fry-up. On these days - key note here - nothing else is eaten.

Now, most importantly in my philosophy of food, the point is never to be stuffed, or to feel gross. How horrific. Food is meant to be enjoyed, which includes the digestion stage as well, at least in my opinion.

The pleasure starts not with the first mouthful, but rather when you enter the kitchen and take out the smattering of ingredients you know you will need for the cooking process. And it is a process, but a pleasant one! I don't hold that fun things have to be quick. On the contrary...

I honestly don't know why I hadn't thought of this before, as it seems quite obvious to me now, but anise seeds with banana! The flavors compliment beautifully in a pancake.

(Full recipe available upon request)
First there is the simple but scrumptious pancakes-with-grease-cutting-grapefruit-on-the-side version:

Add extra wedges of ripe banana on top along with the tart compliment of grapefruit, Caya 2012.

To make, I use ripe banana wedges in the pancake batter, folding in gently at the end with the anise seeds, before ladling out in the cast iron skillet...

Batter being made...Caya 2012.

About three at a time in the pan...Don't be put off by jutting chunks of banana, the batter will cook up around them! Caya 2012..

And flip them once they've browned nicely on the first side, about 3-5 minutes. It gives a lovely crispy edge. Caya 2012.

One batch of batter makes a good bunch. I keep them warm in the oven until the last, naturally. Caya 2012.

Then - another day - I made a fry-up version of the same pancakes, with crispy bacon, sausages, mushrooms, and tomatoes. Scrummy things!
*Between versions I cleared up my system a bit with various seasonal and raw produce, and more water.

The fry-up version, with a few local organic sausages, bacon, sauteed whole cremini mushrooms, and zesty grape tomatoes, plus extra bananas and (real) maple syrup - only way to go. Caya 2012.

Note: If you have never tried halving some ripe tomatoes and frying them face-down in a cast iron skillet with a little butter, you are missing out on a delightfully juicy, zingy addition to savory french toast, eggs and bacon, or - as displayed here - the full works!
 
...And you really won't need any more food the whole day long. Keep up on water, and maybe indulge in a bit of strong ginger tea in the evening, before bed.