Poppy's Pancakes

I hate pancakes.  I find them all to be tasteless, boring round cakes of disappointment, and for this, I blame my grandfather also known as Poppy. He ruined me, for his pancakes are pure bliss to my taste buds. The proverbial bar is set so high when it comes to pancakes, that simply no other will do.

Although I am sure I must have been served them earlier in life, the very first memory I have of eating these perfect pancakes were at their house in Florida. My siblings and I would sit along the counter while my grandfather began whipping up the batter. One of my aunts or my mother would always be off to the side cutting up strawberries into perfect, thin, little slices.  I remember my grandmother bopping around making sure everything was set out and ready. It truly was a team effort to get these pancakes just right.

They were served as they were ready, there was no waiting for others to get there or waiting for everyone to congregate, this meal was meant to be eaten right off the grill.. Waiting for others and thus letting the soft, toasty pancakes go cold was a travesty, neigh a mortal sin! Chef Eddy would man the griddle heating up these fantastic flapjacks to golden brown perfection. Once cooked thoroughly, he moved them from the grill to the serving plate, where room temperature butter was applied by one of the chef's assistants, also called children. Proceeding the application of the butter,  the plate is handed off to the next assistant to add strawberries, blueberries, or other fruit as well as a dusting of powdered sugar. No maple syrup for these bad boys, they will arrive at you looking like a delicious winter wonderland.

While I always remember them as "Poppy's Pancakes", I can't help but wonder if they were, actually my grandmother's recipe. She was and always will be the greatest cook in our family, also arises the fact that the original recipe is indeed in her handwriting. Nonetheless, in my memory, it was always Poopy who orchestrated the pancake preparation to perfection. 

Since my grandfather's passing, I have found myself making these pancakes more and more.  As I whisk the batter and hear the pancakes sizzle, I trail back to my childhood and think of these morning memories.  They keep him close to me while he rests up in heaven. I can feel him beside me as I flip them over to reveal their golden brown perfection, just as he did. I love you Poppy and I miss you aways.

The Recipe 

• 2 cup all-purpose flour ( gold medal preferred )
• 6 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoon sugar
• 2 egg
• 2 cup milk
• 4 tablespoon melted butter
• 1/2 cup sour cream