Chocolate Chip Pancakes

Every time I stare at these chocolate chip pancakes, I just want to run into my kitchen and make these breakfast staple regardless of what time it is. I know I can scarf down these stacked pancakes in a second knowing that one of my favorite ingredients is thrown in the mix: chocolate!

Serves 3: 1 1/2 cup of pancake mix, 1 cup of water, 1/2 cup of chocolate chips

I use butter primarily to keep the pancake mixture from sticking onto the frying pan. Once it is warm enough to melt the butter, I would spread the butter around the pan with my spatula. It is also helpful to rub butter inside the edges of the cookie cutters. Next, I carefully scooped one in half tablespoon of pancake batter into the cookie cutters - thinly enough to coat the base. When the edges of the pancake mix looks dry and the top stops bubbling, take out the cookie cutter with precaution and using your spatula, flip the pancake over to cook the other side. Stack all the mini pancakes on top of each other, sprinkle a bit of powdered sugar, and drizzle maple syrup for a sweet and savory finish.

Rice Krispies Lollipops

Special occasions always inspire creative creations in the kitchen or elsewhere. While I was planning my birthday celebration, I knew I was going to feel appreciative towards the people that showed up to my party. As a nice gesture, I wanted my guests to take home something special. The heart and circle shaped cookie cutters that I found lying in my mom's pantry was a fine discovery and the best tool to use when you don't want your hands to be doing 100% of the work.

Serves 25: 2 large boxes of rice krispies cereal, 4 bags of marshmallows, 2 sticks of butter.

I have grown very fond of microwavable chocolate chips. Due to many failed attempts to melt regular chocolate chips in a pot over boiling water, I needed a quick and simple alternative solution. Using a butter knife and small spoon, the melted white chocolate is spread over the heart-shaped rice krispies after a 2 minute cool down. I carefully dipped one side of the remaining circle-shaped rice krispies halfway into the melted milk chocolate and sprinkled finely chopped peanuts for an added crunch.

Skewers came in handy when making these treats resemble a lollipop. It is recommended to insert the skewers or lollipop sticks before refrigeration or else it would be tougher to get them in when it hardens.

I made a stop to the craft store and found candy wrappers to cover the finished treats. The candy wrappers came with wire twist-ties, which was useful and easy for unwrapping the treats. Lastly, ribbons are always a great touch to the complete look!