Freezer-Happy

After freezing so many meals for my maternity leave, I have really come to appreciate the ease of "cooking" meals out of the freezer. I know summertime is coming with yummy fresh produce, but I think I'm still going to try to keep the freezer stocked--if nothing else, it might keep us from getting takeout one or two nights during the week.


One easy thing I've been freezing is pancakes. We were buying frozen pancakes from the grocery store, until it dawned on me that I could do this and cut out the middleman (or woman, i.e. Aunt Jemima). Here's how I make them:


Fairly Healthy Oatmeal Pancakes


1 1/2 cups "Heart Smart" Bisquick
1 2/3 cups skim milk
1 cup oats
1 egg or egg substitute
1 tsp vanilla
Ground cinnamon (I just shake a whole bunch in, probably around 2-3 tsp--update, Mama says this would be a ton--so I don't know, just shake some in there 'til it looks good to you)


Combine all ingredients, whisk together. Brush skillet with melted butter, cook pancake on each side. Cool on wire racks, then place in a single layer into the freezer. Once frozen (1-2 hours), place into freezer container or bag, separated by wax paper.


To reheat, we microwave the frozen pancakes for 30-60 seconds (flipping about halfway through). You could probably use a toaster oven, or pop them in the toaster if you make them small enough.


And in our household, they taste waaaaay better if they're shaped like this: