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Easy & Portable Summer Snacks for Kids

Does it seem like you never have enough snacks on hand to feed all the hungry kiddos who pass through your kitchen during the summer? We’ve got some easy, delicious, healthy summer snack ideas kids will love for the flavor, color, and crunch, and you’ll love the fact that these summer snacks are both portable and practical. You don’t have to spend a ton of money or take a food design class to produce good looking, tasty snacks your kids will gobble up.

Fruit necklaces

It doesn’t get much more portable than a snack you can wear! All you need is some fresh fruit (we suggest strawberries, blueberries, and grapes), a chunky yarn needle, and some elastic cord and you’ve got a fun summer snack to make, wear, and eat.
Instructions:
1. Wash fruit
2. Cut a two-foot length of elastic cord, thread onto yarn needle, and knot one end
3. Thread fruit onto cord
4. Tie off and wear/ eat

Fruit and cheese kabobs

A great way to use any leftover fruit from your edible necklace project; just add cheese cubes and make fresh, healthy, portable summer snacks on a stick using wooden skewers found at any grocery store.

Fruit salad to go

Small cellophane bags make perfect to-go containers for a fresh fruit salad. Just layer red and green grapes, apple slices, mandarin orange sections, sliced strawberries, and whole blueberries, tie off with ribbon and you’ve got a portable summer snack that is both colorful and fun.

Watermelon Popsicles

Easy-peasy watermelon to go! Simply cut watermelon in wedge-shaped pieces, cut a small slice in the center of the rind, and insert a popsicle stick. Voila! Watermelon popsicles to go! Easiest snack ever.

Veggies and dip cups

Lose the fear of double dippers with these handy portable veggie cups. Choose your favorite dip or hummus flavor and place ¼ cup in the bottom of a plastic cup. Add fresh veggies like asparagus spears, celery sticks, sugar snap peas, carrot sticks, cucumber slices, jicama, and red, yellow, and green bell pepper slices (and any other crunchy veggie long enough to stand up in a cup). It doesn’t get much better than a fresh, healthy summer snack in a cup. You can make these ahead of time and store them in the fridge for easy access.

Blueberry chia popsicles

Easy to make, fun to eat on the go. Just 5 ingredients and the time it takes to freeze, these healthy summer snacks will be a hit with kids and adults alike this summer. Cool off in a deliciously healthy way with these frozen treats.
Instructions:
1. Blend: 1 cup blueberries fresh or frozen
2. 4 tablespoons of chia seeds
3. ½ of a large avocado
4. 1 banana
5. 1 cup almond milk
Pour blended mixture into popsicle molds and freeze (approximately 8 hours or make ahead the night before). Makes 6 to 10 popsicles, depending on the size of your popsicle molds. Any leftovers can be enjoyed as a smoothie.

Homemade granola bars

Kids love granola bars, but store-bought bars can be expensive and loaded with preservatives. Why not make your own at home, and always have some on hand to grab and go? Check out these eight easy gluten-free homemade granola bar recipes From Bless This Mess that include peanut butter, chocolate, nuts, cranberries, and white chocolate.

Whether you choose a fresh fruit treat, crunchy, colorful veggies, and dip, a gluten-free homemade granola bar, or a fabulous frozen summer popsicle, these easy to make portable summer snacks are simple to assemble for your next backyard picnic or a trip to the park, and sure to please even the pickiest snackers.

When you’re out and about in Denver this summer and you need a delicious homemade meal or snack to keep you and the crew fueled up for all your summer adventuring, head on over to one of our two convenient Original Pancake House locations in the Denver area. You can find us at Cherry Hills or Denver Tech Center any day of the week from 6:00 am to 2:00 pm. We look forward to welcoming you soon!

by OPHD1996

Breakfast Recipes for Camping

As the summer draws to a close, lots of families are heading out for one last camping trip. If this is you and you’re wondering what to pack for the family to eat on those crisp mornings around the campfire, we’ve got some suggestions for delicious campfire breakfasts.

First, make sure you have packed everything you need to handle breakfast camping. Use this list to help you as you prepare for your next camping trip:

• Waterproof matches
• Foil
• Utensils for eating
• Cooking utensils
• Sharp knife
• Cast iron pot or frying pan (with lid if possible)
• Coarse salt
• Favorite seasonings
• Cooler
• Ice
• Eggs
• Cheese
• Milk
• Breakfast meat (bacon, sausage links or patties, or other family favorite)
• Plates and bowls

Now that you’ve assembled all the necessary items for a killer meal, here are some favorite breakfast recipes while camping:

Easy scrambled eggs. The trick to this recipe is to mix things up before you leave. Just a few simple steps and you’ll have light, fluffy, delicious scrambled eggs.

1. First, scramble your eggs in a bowl with your favorite ingredients; diced ham, onion, shredded or cubed cheese, and seasonings. Once scrambled, pour the mixture into a large zip-top plastic bag and toss it in the freezer overnight. In the morning, load up the cooler with other perishables and place the bag of frozen scrambled eggs on top.
2. The next morning, heat a pot of water on your camp stove or over the campfire until it boils and place the tightly sealed plastic bag in the water, reducing it to a simmer.
3. Cook for 10 to 15 minutes. Shake the bag around a bit during cooking to ensure the contents are evenly cooked.
4. When your egg mixture is light yellow all the way through, your eggs are cooked and ready to serve, with nothing to clean but the empty bag.

Breakfast Egg Bake in Foil. Do you love breakfast casseroles? So do we! Here’s a quick and easy way to get that casserole feeling with tinfoil and a campfire.

Ingredients:

• One 28 ounce package of frozen, shredded hash brown, thawed
• 1-1/1 cups of shredded cheese
• 1 cup diced ham
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon pepper
• 6 eggs
• ½ cup of milk

Instructions:

1. Prepare campfire or grill for medium-high heat.
2. Whisk together eggs, milk, salt and pepper in a large bowl. Stir in thawed hash browns, diced ham, and 3/4 cup of shredded cheese.
3. Divide the mixture between four 18x12 inch pieces of heavy-duty nonstick foil. (To ensure no sticking, spray foil with cooking spray or coat with butter or oil.) Fold and seal foil tightly around mixture.
4. Place packets over the prepared campfire, camping stove, or grill; cook 9-10 minutes or until hash browns are tender and eggs are cooked through. Open packets carefully. Serve in individual packets or empty onto plates and sprinkle with remaining cheese.

Breakfast Bagels. Are you more of a hold-it-in-your-hand kind of breakfast eater? We’ve got you covered! This yummy recipe for breakfast bagels will warm your hands and your tummy at the same time.

Ingredients:

• 3 ounces of smoked ham, bacon, or sausage
• 1 egg
• 1 bagel, sliced
• Butter
• 1 slice of cheese, your choice

Instructions:

1. Cook ham, bacon, or sausage
2. Fry the egg, flipping to cook it all the way through, breaking yolk to prevent it from making bagel too soggy
3. Butter insides of bagel halves
4. Place bagel in a prepared hot frying pan or on a griddle with buttered sides down
5. Press bagel into a pan to toast
6. Trim egg to fit inside bagel; pile trimmings on the top of the egg
7. Layer meat, egg, and cheese on one half of cut bagel
8. Place another half of bagel on top to make a breakfast sandwich

Breakfast Burritos. How about a really good campfire breakfast you can cook right on top of those leftover coals from last night’s campfire? Enter, breakfast burritos. These burritos can be assembled in your kitchen and packed in the cooler to take along, saving time and mess at the campsite.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup frozen hash browns
• 8 oz cooked ham, diced
• 12 eggs
• 1 tablespoon taco seasoning, creole seasoning, or seasoning mix of your choice
• 2 cups (8 oz) shredded cheese (cheddar, Mexican mix, or family favorite)
• ½ cup chopped onion
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro (optional)
• 1 (4.5 oz) can green chiles (optional)
• 8 (12-inch) flour tortillas

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large frying pan. Brown onions and add hash browns. Cook for 1-2 minutes and add ham. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until mixture is browned throughout (approximately 8-10 mins.)
2. While hash browns, onion, and ham are cooking, whisk eggs in a large bowl and add seasoning. Add eggs to browned potatoes, onion, and ham and cook mixture until eggs have set, stirring frequently. Add green chiles, cilantro, and cheese if desired.
3. Warm tortillas and put part of the mixture in the center of each, rolling like a burrito, and wrap tightly in tin foil. Place in a zip-top bag for storage in refrigerator or cooler.
4. Place foil-wrapped burritos on hot campfire coals when ready to cook. Turn once until packets are thoroughly heated, about 10-15 minutes, depending on how hot your coals are.

There you have it, four great breakfast camping recipes to try the next time you pack up and head for the woods. When you’re back from your camping trip and hanging out in Denver, come by and see us for a delicious homemade meal or snack at one of our two convenient Original Pancake House locations in the Denver area. You can find us at Cherry Hills or Denver Tech Center any day of the week from 6:00 am to 2:00 pm. We look forward to welcoming you soon!

by OPHD1996

Things To Do in Denver This Father's Day

If you’re searching for fun things to do in Denver with dad this Father’s Day, we’ve got a great list of options for you to choose from. Does dad love cultural events? Festivals? Museums? Sports? Concerts? Fine dining? Denver’s got all that and more going on this year.
Let’s face it, dads like to eat and most of them love to eat barbeque! The Denver Barbeque Festival at Bronco’s Mile High Stadium, located at 1701 Bryant St., Ste. 700, Denver, CO 80204, will have dads from miles around following their noses to the tasty treats available all weekend, from June 14th through Father’s Day, June 16th. Believe it or not, admission is free Friday from 5:00 PM - 8:30 PM; Saturday from 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM; and Sunday from 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM. Take the family and fuel up for all your other Father’s Day activities. Some of the country's most award-winning BBQ legends have been invited to participate in America's biggest Father's Day barbeque. BBQ and beverages will be available to purchase, and all-inclusive VIP experiences are also available for one of the most fun things to do in Denver. Spend some quality time enjoying cold drinks and killer live music while you grab a slab, pound some pork, or bury your face in some brisket.

Is dad a sports fan?

If you celebrate a day early by attending the Denver Barbeque Festival on Saturday, why not book a tour while you’re at Mile High Stadium through the Colorado Sports Hall of Fame to see the museum honoring Colorado sports legends and visit the 'back of the house' where the Broncos play for Father’s Day? Open Monday through Saturday from 10am-3pm. Tours begin each hour and are 75 minutes in length. Adults $20, children and seniors $15, and groups $10.

Does dad consider himself king of the castle?

Indulge his fantasy at the Colorado Renaissance Festival starting June 15th. Price: $12-$24. Flashback to the 16th Century and journey through a medieval city. Enjoy full-armor jousting, tasty turkey legs, music and a marketplace featuring more than 200 artisans. Saturdays and Sundays only, open 10:00 AM-6:30 PM rain or shine, but leave the pets at home, please.

How about celebrating Juneteenth for Father’s Day?

Experience two full days of live music and fun June 15th and 16th. The yearly Juneteenth Parade starts the fun beginning promptly at 11:00 am. The #DREAMBIG Awards Ceremony will commence at 12:00 pm on the main stage in the Historic Five Points Neighborhood, Denver Colorado at 27th & Welton Street. Enjoy and engage with hundreds of vendors while the kids play in the youth zone.

Is dad a beer connoisseur?

Would he like to be? Take him on a tour of some cool Denver microbreweries this Father’s Day via The Denver Microbrew Tour, a guided walking tour through downtown Denver, Colorado’s historic LODO (lower downtown) and Ballpark Neighborhood districts. If dad would be thrilled to learn why Denver has been dubbed the “Napa Valley of Beer”, or about the history of Denver and how it became the city it is today, then this is the tour for him. Weekend tours available at noon and 3:15 (tour duration is three hours). Tickets are $40 per adult. Check for availability online.

When you’re out and about in the Denver area on Father’s Day and you need a delicious meal or snack to tide you over and keep you going on your family adventure discovering fun things to do in Denver, head on over to one of our two convenient Original Pancake House locations in the Denver area. You can find us at Cherry Hills or Denver Tech Center any day of the week from 6:00 am to 2:00 pm. We look forward to welcoming you soon!

by OPHD1996

How To Make Pancake Art

Pancakes are a breakfast staple in many homes. Want to jazz up your breakfast table? We’ve got a great suggestion – make pancake art! What is pancake art? It’s the art of making your pancakes something special, and it’s not as hard as it may seem. Here is a step-by-step tutorial on how to make amazing pancakes that your kids will love. Thanks to our friends at Instructables Cooking, here’s everything you need to know to make pancake art an easy way for your next family breakfast. If you’re short on inspiration for the shape of your artful pancakes, do a Google search for something simple like pieces of fruit, a house, a tree, a bicycle, etc. Adding the word “illustration” can help you find simplified drawings you can print out to follow as you recreate the shape using pancake batter in different colors.

1. Make a list of the supplies you’ll need, and gather them:

• pancake mix
• eggs
• milk
• vegetable oil
• gel food coloring
• drawing or illustration to follow
• list of colors needed
• one large / one medium mixing bowls
• 6-8 small mixing bowls
• metal whisk
• measuring cups
• variety of sizes of squeeze bottles, some with thinner metal tips
• stovetop pancake griddle
• large, thin silicone spatula
• masking tape
• sharpie or pen

2. Mix up a double batch of pancake batter but add an extra quarter cup of milk or water to make it a little runnier than normal. This helps the batter flow through the narrow end of the finely tipped squeeze bottles you’ll be using for your easy pancake art.
3. Make labels for all the bottles you’ll be using to create your pancake art with masking tape and sharpie pen, so there’s no question which color is in which bottle. Tip: Use larger bottles with larger holes for the colors you’ll use to fill in larger areas, saving the smaller bottles with finer tips for outlines, small details, and colors you’ll use less.
4. Use a small mixing bowl for your first batch of pancake art easy colored batter. Use enough gel food coloring to make it vibrant (kids love bright colors!) and repeat using the other small bowls until all your colors are mixed. Use a funnel to fill your labeled bottles with the appropriate color of batter.
5. Turn the burners on 'LOW' to heat up the pan or griddle you’ll be using. Coat the surface of the pan with a little oil to make it easier to flip your pancake art and ensure it won’t stick to the pan.
6. Carefully outline each area before filling it in. This helps construct a small “retaining wall” to keep the colored batter where you want it.
7. As you fill each section, make sure all sections are touching to help form one solid pancake that holds together when you flip it.
8. Once all sections of your pancake art easy are bubbling on the surface, gently insert your spatula around the edges to ensure your pancake is ready to flip. If it moves easily with just a slight nudge from you, it’s ready. Flip it over and behold your pancake art!

You can create just about anything with pancakes, food coloring and a little imagination. Get your children or grandchildren involved and make it a tradition, following different themes such as summertime fun, back to school, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, winter wonderland, spring flowers, and so on. Don’t think you have to stick to breakfast for your pancake extravaganza, either. Pancakes make a great lunch, brunch, and snack time treats – you can even have them for dinner if you like.

When you don’t have time to make pancake art and you’re in the Denver area hungry for a delicious meal that tastes like home, head on over to one of our two convenient Original Pancake House locations in the Denver area. You can find us at Cherry Hills or Denver Tech Center any day of the week from 6:00 am to 2:00 pm. We look forward to welcoming you soon!

by OPHD1996

5 Things to Do in Denver This Mother's Day

Are you looking for some really good ideas for Mother’s Day activities this year? If you’re searching for fun things to do in Denver with mom, we’ve got some great family-friendly suggestions for activities she might enjoy!

1. Have a Mother’s Day Brunch with The Velvet Elvis

For something truly unique, why not start the day by taking mom out to brunch at Ophelia’s Electric Soapbox, located at 1215 20^th Street in Denver, and enjoy being serenaded by Mr. Johnny Barber, aka The Velvet Elvis? The show starts at 10:30 am (doors open at 10:00 am) and there is no cover charge. This special Mother’s Day event isn’t something you’ll see every day, and mom is sure to love this special performance if she’s an Elvis fan.

2. Sit Back and Enjoy Spectacular Spa Treatments

A favorite among the many things to do in Denver is a spa visit. For a truly relaxing, pampering experience, choose the spa at the Brown Palace where mom can enjoy a Colorado River Stone Massage and stay hydrated with the artesian water that comes from the hotel’s own well. If mom could go for a full body spa treatment using craft beer, check out the urban sanctuary that is the Ritz-Carlton Spa for a stimulating Microbrew Ex’beer’ience to smooth, tighten, and hydrate her skin as she relaxes, renews, and refreshes her body and soul. The spa also offers unique waterfall experiences, body wraps, manicures, pedicures, and salon services that include facials and massage treatments. Mom deserves this kind of special treatment every day of the year, but especially on Mother’s Day!

3. Smell the Flowers at The Denver Botanic Gardens

You can’t beat the Denver Botanic Gardens when it comes to favorite things to do in Denver. One of the top five botanic gardens in the country, this is truly an oasis of beauty and peace in the midst of the city. Stroll through the grounds, pause to sit on a secluded bench and take in the scent of blossoming flowers and growing plants, enjoy the beauty of vibrant bursts of color and greenery, and feel your body, mind, and spirit being renewed. If mom would love to take home some plants of her own, surprise her with an early Mother’s Day gift and take her to the Spring Plant Sale Friday, May 10^th from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. or Saturday May11^th  from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Admission to both the plant sale and the gardens is free both days!

4. Explore One of The Denver Museums

Denver is loaded with world-class museums to suit every mom looking for cool things to do in Denver. The Denver Art Museum, one of the largest art museums between the West Coast and Chicago, is always a popular destination for art-loving moms, with extensive art collections, hands-on activities for visitors, and world-class exhibitions. If mom loves contemporary art, check out the Museum of Contemporary Art, Denver's first institution devoted entirely to contemporary art in a new, environmentally sustainable facility. The Clyfford Still Museum, with more than 3,000 artworks in the collection, is the place to visit if mom is a fan of the Abstract Expressionism movement.

5. Watch a Performance at a Theatre in Denver

Is mom a theatre buff? For memorable things to do in Denver on her special day, treat mom to an afternoon of musical theatre at the Denver Performing Arts Complex with “Sweat” at the Space Theatre, “The Marriage of Figaro” at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House, or “Wicked” at the Buell Theatre.

Is classical music more mom’s style? The Berlioz Symphonie Fantastique performance at Boettcher Concert Hall in the heart of the theatre district is sure to thrill and delight her this Mother’s Day. Times and prices for all events can be found on the website.

When you’re out and about in the Denver area with mom on Mother’s Day and you need a delicious meal that tastes like home, head on over to one of our two convenient Original Pancake House locations in the Denver area. You can find us at Cherry Hills or Denver Tech Center any day of the week from 6:00 am to 2:00 pm. We look forward to welcoming you soon! Have a happy Mother’s Day!

by OPHD1996

What is a Pig in a Blanket?

Have you ever heard of a pig in a blanket? You may be trying to envision a fat pig wearing a pink blanket, looking similar to a dog in a cute little doggie sweater but no, it’s not an actual pig wearing an actual blanket. A pig in a blanket is a sausage (originally a pork sausage, hence the “pig”) wrapped in either a pancake, biscuit dough, or a crescent-style piece of pastry (you guessed it, that’s the “blanket”). These yummy appetizers can be made using full-size hot dogs, Vienna sausages, cocktail or mini sausages, breakfast sausage links, even Bratwurst. There’s really no limit to what you can do with tasty pastry and sausages. They can be baked or fried, but no matter how you fix them they’re popular with kids and adults alike, all over the world.

Where did pigs in a blanket originate? Would you believe this delicious treat may date all the way back to the 1600s? Rumor has it that way back then manual laborers in England put meat inside of dough for a quick meal on the go. In the United Kingdom these days, "pigs in blankets" refers to small sausages wrapped in bacon which are traditionally served with roast turkey at Christmas dinner.

Serving Pig in a Blanket

Some people dip their pig in a blanket in hot, spicy mustard, while others prefer traditional ketchup or barbeque sauce for a savory flavor. But around here, we like to do things a little differently. At the Original Pancake House, we make our famous Pigs in a Blanket with delicious locally made sausage links wrapped in our light, fluffy, melt in your mouth, made from scratch buttermilk biscuits, dusted with powdered sugar and served with warm, delicious, tropical syrup. Our way of preparing and serving pigs in a blanket seems to go over quite well, as it’s one of the most popular items on our menu.

Pigs in a Blanket Recipe with Biscuits

To make a pig in a blanket snack (or meal!) at home for your family, simply choose the “pig” of your choice (little smoked sausages, hot dogs, breakfast links, whatever you love) and follow the simple recipe below, and check out the recipe for homemade buttermilk biscuits from Southern Living when you want to make pigs in a blanket at home for your family.

Pigs in a Blanket

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2. Prepare buttermilk biscuits according to recipe directions and cut out biscuits.
3. Wrap biscuit dough around each sausage.
4. Place on a baking sheet with the overlap of biscuit dough facing down.
5. Bake for about 10 to 15 minutes until biscuits are golden brown.

Pigs in a Blanket at The Original Pancake House Denver

When you’re out and about in the Denver area, hunger hits and you need pigs in a blanket that tastes like home, head on over to one of our two convenient Original Pancake House locations in the Denver area. You can find us at Cherry Hills or Denver Tech Center any day of the week from 6:00 am to 2:00 pm. Bring some friends and family with you to experience the taste of home you won’t find anywhere else (except at your house, of course!). We look forward to welcoming you soon!

by OPHD1996

4 Easy Spring Dinner Recipes

Spring is here, and the sunshine is beckoning us all outside. Now is the time to be enjoying the great outdoors, spring weather, and quality-time with family. We’ve still got to eat, right? Here are some easy spring recipes for making tasty, enjoyable, spring-fresh dinners for your family.

1. Garlicky Lemon Baked Tilapia

Fresh from delish.com comes this recipe for Garlicky Lemon Baked Tilapia. Fresh ingredients and just three easy steps. What could be better?

Ingredients:                                       

• 4 Tilapia filets
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 5 tbsp. butter, melted
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 tsp. red pepper flakes
• Juice and zest from 1/2 a lemon
• 1 lemon, sliced into rounds

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 400° F. Season tilapia with salt and pepper and place on a small baking sheet.
2. Mix together butter, garlic, red pepper flakes, lemon juice, and zest then pour over tilapia. Place lemon rounds on top and around the tilapia.
3. Bake for 10-12 mins or until fish flakes easily with a fork.

2. Roast Chicken with Spring Vegetables

From the Food Network comes this delicious recipe for Roast Chicken with Spring Vegetables. If you’re in the mood for a refreshing and savory spring dish, try this easy-to-make dinner recipe!

Ingredients:

• 3 1/2 pounds skin-on, bone-in chicken quarters
• Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
• 1 lemon, halved
• 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 pound fingerling or other small potatoes
• 2 bunches radishes
• 1 bunch scallions
• 1 bunch baby carrots
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill

Directions: Preheat the oven to 500° F. Rinse the chicken and pat dry. Season with salt and pepper, then place skin-side up on a rimmed baking sheet. Squeeze 1/2 lemon over the chicken and drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil. Roast chicken for 15 minutes. Meanwhile, cut the potatoes and radishes in half and cut the scallions into thirds. Toss the potatoes, radishes, carrots and the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil in a bowl; season with salt and pepper. Remove the chicken from the oven and scatter the vegetables around it. Continue to roast until the vegetables are tender and the chicken is golden and cooked through about 20 more minutes. Squeeze the remaining 1/2 lemon over the chicken and vegetables. Top with the dill and season with salt.

3. Avocado Crab Boats

Here's a wonderfully easy spring dinner recipe for scrumptious Avocado Crab Boats from Taste of Home. These little beauties can be consumed straight from the oven piping hot or served cold. Pack them on ice and take them on your next picnic.

Ingredients:

• 5 medium ripe avocados, peeled and halved
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 cans (6 ounces each) lump crabmeat, drained
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, divided
• 2 tablespoons minced chives
• 1 serrano pepper, seeded and minced
• 1 tablespoon capers, drained
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1 cup shredded pepper jack cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Lemon wedges

Directions: Preheat broiler. Place two avocado halves in a large bowl; mash lightly with a fork. Add mayonnaise and lemon juice; mix until well blended. Stir in crab, 3 tablespoons cilantro, chives, serrano pepper, capers, and pepper. Spoon into remaining avocado halves. Transfer to a 15x10x1-in. baking pan. Sprinkle with cheese and paprika. Broil 4-5 inches from heat until cheese is melted, approximately 3-5 minutes. Sprinkle with remaining cilantro; serve with lemon wedges.

4. Cheesy Artichoke Skillet Flatbread

Do you love spinach artichoke dip? Do you love pizza? Good news; we’re about to make your dinner dreams come true with this easy spring recipe for Cheesy Artichoke Skillet Flatbread from How Sweet Eats.

Ingredients:

• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/3 cup olive oil plus more for brushing
• 1/2 cup marinara sauce
• 1 (12-ounce) jar marinated artichokes, drained
• 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
• 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, torn into pieces or sliced
• 4 ounces freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
• Fresh oregano for topping

Directions: Preheat the oven to 375° F. In a bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, basil, oregano, and garlic powder, stirring to combine. Add the water and olive oil and mix with a spoon until the dough comes together. Use your hands to finish bringing it together into a ball, then knead it a few times on a floured surface. Roll and press the dough into the size of your skillet. I use a 12-inch skillet – if you use one significantly smaller, this recipe can make 2 flatbreads.
Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Brush the skillet with olive oil then gently and carefully place the dough into the skillet. Cook until bubbles begin to form, about 2 to 3 minutes. Brush the top of the dough with olive oil then flip it over with kitchen tongs. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the marinara sauce to the dough and spread it around evenly. Drop spoonfuls of the ricotta on top of the sauce and then cover it with the Parmigiano. Top with the artichokes and the fresh mozzarella. Place the skillet in the oven and cook for 10 minutes, just until the cheese is bubbly and golden. Sprinkle with the fresh oregano and some extra grated cheese. Gently slide the flatbread from the skillet and onto a cutting board. Let cool for a few minutes before slicing.

There you have it; four mouthwatering easy spring dinner recipes to try out that take almost no time to prepare and are sure to become some springtime favorites. For a delicious meal in Denver when you’re out and about this spring, head on over to The Original Pancake House for some homemade dishes made with love. The Original Pancake House has two convenient locations in the Denver area for you to enjoy. You can find us at Cherry Hills or Denver Tech Center. For some good old fashioned goodness that makes breakfast at America’s finest pancake house a great idea any day of the week from 6:00 am to 2:00 pm. Bring some friends and family with you to experience the taste of home you won’t find anywhere else (except at your house, of course!). We look forward to welcoming you soon!

by OPHD1996

What Is Corned Beef Hash?

Have you ever asked yourself, “What exactly is corned beef hash?” Hash is simply defined as a mixture of foods that have been finely chopped or diced. The word “hash” comes from the French word “hacher” which means “to chop”. Basically, hash is a combination of chopped or diced meat, potatoes, and spices. Although corned beef is often associated with St. Patrick’s Day, corned beef hash is a very popular comfort food for many people in America. This dish, what is corned beef hash, gets its name from the treatment of meat with “corns” of salt (large-grained rock salt) and is very easy to make.

Serving Corned Beef Hash

Corned beef has been part of the diet of many Americans since the 19th century, when it was used as a substitute for bacon by Irish American immigrants. Corned beef hash is very often paired with eggs, making it an extremely popular breakfast dish and a great alternative when you want something a little different than your regular plate of bacon and eggs. Inexpensive diners across the country serving up this tasty and economical one dish, what is corned beef hash, meal quickly became known as “hash houses” in the years following World War II but have since become part of a bygone era. Fortunately, you can still find corned beef hash served at some family restaurants.

At The Original Pancake House, we know how much this dish is loved by millions of Americans, and that’s why you’ll always find corned beef hash on our menu. Many people like to top off their dish of corned beef hash with a little Hollandaise Sauce, which we make fresh daily at The Original Pancake House. No matter how you like your corned beef hash, what is corned beef hash, you won’t find it any tastier than that at The Original Pancake House. If you have a hankering to whip up a batch in your own kitchen, here’s an easy-to-follow corned beef hash recipe you can try from Taste of Home:

Corned Beef Hash and Eggs Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 package (32 ounces) frozen cubed hash browns
• 1-1/2 cups chopped onion
• 1/2 cup canola oil
• 4 to 5 cups chopped cooked corned beef
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 8 large eggs
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley

Directions:

1. In a large ovenproof skillet, cook hash browns and onion in oil until potatoes are browned and onion is tender. Here, what is corned beef hash can be integrated by adding corned beef to the mix.
2. Remove from the heat; stir in corned beef and salt.
3. Make eight wells in the hash browns. Break one egg into each well. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
4. Cover and bake at 325° for 20-25 minutes or until eggs reach desired doneness.
5. Garnish with parsley.

Nutrition Facts:

1 serving: 442 calories, 30g fat (6g saturated fat), 242mg cholesterol, 895mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 20g protein.

When you’re ready for some good old fashioned homemade corned beef hash that will fill your tummy with soul pleasing, warm, savory comfort food that will stick with you, head on over to The Original Pancake House. For fresh-from-the-kitchen dishes made from scratch, our famous family restaurant just can’t be beaten. The Original Pancake House has two convenient locations in the Denver area for you to enjoy.

Enjoy Corned Beef Hash Made from Scratch at The Original Pancake House Denver

You can find us at Cherry Hills or the Denver Tech Center. America’s finest pancake house is a great idea for breakfast or lunch any day of the week from 6:00 am to 2:00 pm. Bring your friends and family with you and experience the mouthwatering taste of home that you won’t find in any other restaurant. Make us a family tradition you’ll enjoy with your loved ones during any season of the year. We look forward to welcoming you!

by OPHD1996

Celebrating Spring

The first day of spring this year is March 20^th, 2019—with beautiful spring weather just around the corner! Daylight savings time will be in effect in the USA, and spring break for school age and college kids is right around the corner. The spring equinox, also known as the vernal equinox, is when the sun passes over the celestial equator and continues its trek northward. The word “equinox” is Latin for “equal night”, meaning on that day there will be about 12 hours of daylight and 12 hours of darkness on both the vernal and autumnal equinox, which occurs in September.

10 Ways to Celebrate the Spring Equinox in 2019

The spring equinox has been recognized and celebrated as a time of renewal for thousands of years. Today, many families celebrate the spring equinox and the beginning of longer, warmer days with a short vacation, often times during spring break when the kids are out of school. As cold winter days and bare trees give way to vibrant spring sun and new life springing forth from the earth, many of us want to get out and enjoy the sunshine and change of seasons. Do you have plans to celebrate spring this year? If you’re looking for some fun ideas to help welcome spring to your doorstep, here are 10 possibilities for a spring celebration you might want to try this year.

1. Have a sunrise party. Bundle up the family, pack a thermos or two of hot cocoa for the kids and coffee or tea for the grownups, grab a few blankets, bundle up and head outside to watch the sunrise on a clear spring morning. It’s a great way to start a spring day!
2. Plant something. Whether you start an indoor garden or plant something outdoors, putting something in dirt and watching it grow new life under your tender care is exciting, and the perfect way to welcome spring to your living space.
3. Get together outdoors. Take a nature walk, visit your local park (don’t forget to take the family dog along!), and take note of the changes spring has brought to your neighborhood.
4. Bring the outdoors in. While on your walk, gather signs of spring such as wildflowers and bring them home with you to add a breath of spring to your indoor décor. Yay for extra oxygen and fresher indoor air!
5. Make a bonfire. Spring nights can still be a little chilly, so building a bonfire is a fun way to warm up and enjoy bonding over roasted marshmallows and hot dogs cooked on a stick. Invite the neighbors and make some new friends!
6. Start something new. Have you been wanting to take an art class? Is there a book you’ve been meaning to read? How about that hobby you’ve thought about pursuing? Spring is a great time to start something new.
7. Get physical. Spring is also the perfect time to get in shape for summer! Check out your local gym for specials on spin classes, dance classes, and personal training sessions. Swimsuit season follows spring, so now’s the time to get serious about getting physical.
8. Go deep. Are there personal changes you’d like to make? Take a notebook and get introspective. Make a list of things you’d like to do more of, and put it on your calendar. Schedule time to meditate, dance, walk, pray, or sit and listen to music that stimulates your creativity and soothes your soul.
9. Coordinate a spring scavenger hunt. This is a great activity for little ones. Make a list of some of the signs that spring has sprung, and take the kids on a scavenger hunt, looking for that evidence of rebirth and renewal.
10. Splash in a rain puddle. We saved the best for last! Who doesn’t love to splash in a puddle? One of the best ways to celebrate spring is to find a recent rain puddle and go wild. Show your kids how its done, parents! You’re never too old for puddle splashing.

When you’re hungry from your spring equinox activities, head on over to The Original Pancake House Denver for some heart (and body) warming homemade dishes made with love. The Original Pancake House Denver has two convenient locations for you to enjoy. You can find us at Cherry Hills or Denver Tech Center. For some good old fashioned goodness that makes breakfast at America’s finest pancake house a great idea any day of the week from 6:00 am to 2:00 pm. Bring some friends and family with you to experience the made-from-scratch taste you won’t find anywhere else and make us a family tradition you’ll enjoy during any season of the year. We look forward to welcoming you!

by OPHD1996

What is Hollandaise Sauce?

Hollandaise sauce is a rich, buttery sauce freshened with the lightest touch of lemon. Despite having “Holland” in its name, it’s generally agreed among chefs that Hollandaise sauce was first born in France and was originally known as Sauce Isigny, named after a small town in Normandy famous for its butter and cream. Although its exact birthdate is unknown, Isigny sauce is found in recipe books starting in the 19th century. Hollandaise was added to the list of legendary French chef Marie-Antoine Carême’s four distinctly French “mother sauces” as the fifth mother sauce by 20th century chef and culinary writer Georges Auguste Esoffier. Most often paired with eggs, beef, poached fish, grilled seafood, and vegetables like asparagus, artichokes and broccoli, the appeal of this special sauce lies in its perfectly silken texture, buttery scent, and the fact that when it is made properly, this delectable sauce is both light and lively.

Common Uses of Hollandaise Sauce

Most people get their first taste of Hollandaise sauce as part of a serving of Eggs Benedict, made famous for a generous serving of this splendid sauce ladled over poached eggs and bacon or ham atop two English muffin halves. The addition of rich, buttery Hollandaise sauce pairs perfectly with the warmth and comfort of eggs, bacon, and bread (or polenta cakes, sliced eggplant, or portobello mushrooms for the gluten free crowd) to create a breakfast classic that’s loved the world over. There are many other dishes that stand up to this fantastic finishing sauce, however. Filet mignon is mouthwatering on its own when prepared just how you like it, but add some classic Hollandaise sauce, and you have a plate you’ll have to stop yourself from licking clean!

Hollandaise sauce is also the perfect complement to fresh garden vegetables, poached fish, or grilled seafood. The sauce can be flavored with cilantro, lime, sriracha, chipotle, habanero, wasabi, smoked paprika, green chilis, green curry, or any number of other spices that complement the main dish over which the sauce is poured. Hollandaise sauce offers the perfect foundation for the creative cook to experiment and discover their own culinary masterpiece.

At the Original Pancake House in Denver, we have learned the secret to making delicious, sumptuous Hollandaise sauce. We make ours fresh from scratch twice a day, and we always use real clarified butter and real egg yolks. Our Hollandaise sauce is always fresh, never stale, and always light and airy.

Hollandaise is an emulsion sauce, made by gradually whisking clarified butter into egg yolks over low heat. Making the perfect Hollandaise requires the right touch; use too little heat and the sauce won’t thicken; use too much and it will curdle into scrambled eggs. To make your own Hollandaise sauce at home, follow this recipe for classic Hollandaise sauce from Food & Wine:

Hollandaise Sauce Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 large egg yolks
• 1 tablespoon cold water
• Pinch of salt
• 1 stick unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• Dash of hot sauce
• Dash of Worcestershire sauce

Directions:

1. In a medium, heat-proof bowl set over a large saucepan (not in the pan) filled with two inches of simmering water, whisk together egg yolks with cold water and salt until warm to the touch.
2. Slowly drizzle in half of the melted butter in a thin stream, whisking constantly until fully incorporated.
3. Continue whisking in the melted butter until the sauce is thick and emulsified.
4. Whisk in the lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce until blended.
5. Serve warm.

Enjoy Freshly Made Hollandaise Sauce at The Original Pancake House Denver

Our unsurpassed Hollandaise sauce is homemade, made fresh every day for your dining enjoyment. When you want delicious homemade dishes made from scratch with love and detail, stop by The Original Pancake House with two locations in the Denver area at Cherry Hills or Denver Tech Center. Bring some friends and family with you to experience the made-from-scratch goodness that makes breakfast at America’s finest pancake house a great idea any day of the week from 6:00 am to 2:00 pm. We look forward to welcoming you!

by OPHD1996