Curious George Makes Pancakes

read.

“Curious George Makes Pancakes” by Margaret and H.A. Reys, is of course about a small little monkey that lets his curiosity get the best of him. Curious George, an inquisitive monkey, causes quite a stir when he tries his "hand" at making pancakes at a fundraiser for the children's hospital.  Most kids (and adults) love reading about George because they can relate to both his curious and mischievous side : ) One thing that I really liked about this story, and that holds true for most Curious George stories, is that George generally just wants to help when he gets into mischief.

cook.

After reading the book, I suggest…pancakes. Pancakes are a weekly staple in our house.  They can be as easy or difficult as you want to make them.  You can “hide” plenty of good nutrients (flax, protein powder, whole wheat flour, fruits) and they are very inexpensive to make.   Of course they are also great because kids can help! 

MENU:

*Banana Pancakes

Pancake RECIPE:

Ingredients:

*1 over ripe banana (the kind you probably shouldn’t eat anymore)

*1 cup whole wheat blend pancake mix

*1- 1 ¼ cup low fat milk

*1 egg

*Cooking Spray

1) Preheat a Pancake Griddle to 350 degrees (or heat a skillet once you’re ready).

2) In a small bowl mash the banana with a Masher or a fork.  

3) Measure whole wheat flour and milk and add to a large bowl. Add the mashed banana.  

4) Crack an egg in a SEPARATE small bowl.  (that way if they get shells in the bowl you can help them fish them out)  Once you have a shell free egg add it to the large bowl with the flour, milk and banana.

5) With a wire whisk, large fork or rotary beater have your child combine all the ingredients just until moistened.   The batter should look lumpy.  Over mixing may toughen the pancakes. 

6) Spray the griddle or skillet with cooking spray.  

7) Check to see if the griddle is ready by getting your hand wet and then flicking water onto the griddle.  If it “dances” it’s ready : ) 

8)Using a 1/3 measuring cup scoop batter and pour onto griddle.   Cook until bubbles cover the surface of the pancakes and the bottoms are golden brown.  

9) Turn the pancakes over with a wide spatula.  Place on platter when done.    

PRESENTATION:

You of course need to be playing the Jack Johnson song “Banana Pancakes” either while cooking or eating J   I always think pancakes look best stacked up as tall as you can get them with butter on top!  

grow. 

After you and your kids enjoy the book and recipe together, extend the fun by picking one of the activities from the CURIOUS GEORGE page on PBS.