Ever since the roommate’s mom showed us the real magic of the farm cookbook, I have reached the point in my life where I don’t know if I can ever eat regular pancakes again.  Despite our excitement, we haven’t had time to actually try anything from the cookbook, but I had seen this recipe, and it scared me a little bit.  My main thought was “Pancakes made with cornmeal?! How could that be good?!!”.  I have seen the truth, and it is amazing!  Of course when we recreated it here, it was not as good, but it never is when you have to make it yourself.  The lack of real Indiana corn didn’t help any either.  Nonetheless, I am a changed person when it comes to pancakes.  I can’t wait to get back into the cooking game and get working with the FARM cookbook, because now I won’t doubt any recipe that doesn’t look good at first glance.  You never know what life changing experience you will end up with.

Cornmeal and Orange Hoecakes

Ingredients:

• 1 c. cornmeal
• 1 c. all purpose flour
• 1/4 c. brown sugar
• 1/8 tsp. salt
• 1/8 tsp. pepper
• 1  1/2 tbs. baking powder
• zest of 1/2 orange
• 1/2 c. milk
• 1/2 c. oil
• 1 tbs. vanilla
• 1 c. plain yogurt
• 3 eggs
• 1/2 cup fresh corn off the cob (optional, and only if it is really good and fresh)

Directions:

Combine dry ingredients in large mixing bowl.  In separate bowl, beat eggs, add remaining liquid to eggs.

Fold liquid and corn into dry ingredients; don’t over mix.  Lightly brush with butter (or spray with vegetable oil) a pre heated non-stick pan or griddle.  Ladle out mixture into desired size cakes.

Cook until bubbles form on the surface and the cakes are brown on the bottom and start to dry out on top.  Turn and brown other side.  Remove and serve.  Repeat until batter is finished or everyone is full.