Anniversary-Worthy Pancake Brunch

Hubby and I are off on a little 3-day retreat to celebrate our first wedding anniversary (hey, we lasted longer than some Kardashians, right? Hmm perhaps not the best comparison...) This morning, my plan was to make us a decadent pancake brunch in our ski-resort condo (read: limited kitchen tools available!) I had brought up pancake mix to keep things easy - just add water - along with big juicy strawberries, blueberries, and chocolate chips. Pancakes are a treat for us, so we always indulge in real Maple Syrup... The one ingredient that I forgot! Rather than spend a small fortune on "liquid gold" in the resort's General Store, I changed things up with a twist on our usual recipe... And the results were divine! 

Follow the recipe below for a brunch worthy of any special occasion - with limited resources - and enjoy with your loved ones!

Anniversary-Worthy Pancakes

• Pancake mix or your favorite pancake recipe, prepared
• Approx. 1 cup of Chocolate chips
• 1 carton of strawberries
• 1-2 pints blueberries

1. Pour pancake batter onto a greased, non-stick skillet. Immediately after pouring on, add a small handful of chocolate chips (enough to your heart's desire!) once the edges bubble and bottom is cooked, flip only once - cook until golden brown.
2. Once pancake is ready, flip so that the "top" (read: prettier) side is facing up on a plate
3. Continue preparing pancakes and stacking on the storing plate.
4. While you are cooking the pancakes, prepare your berries:  Wash your blueberries. Wash, hull, and halve your strawberries.
5. Remove the most ripe strawberries from the bunch, and put them into a microwave-safe bowl or small Tupperware. Use a fork to mash them very finely.
6. Once pancakes are all ready, prep your toppings: microwave "strawberry mash" for 30 seconds, stir, and heat for another 30 seconds. Alternatively, you can heat the mash in the same pan as pancakes were prepared in, on a low setting until warmed. 
7. For an even more decadent addition, heat a handful or two of chocolate chips with a small pad of butter for 15-30 seconds in the microwave. Stir thoroughly, and repeat as needed. Heat slowly and carefully until runny. DO not over-heat, otherwise you will burn the chocolate. Another way (my preferred method for melting chocolate for drizzling) can be found here.

Create your brunch confection:

Stack pancakes on serving plate, spreading a thin layer of butter on each.

On top of your stack spoon half of your "strawberry mash" 

On top of this, arrange blueberries and strawberries with love, drizzle with chocolate, and voila! Enjoy with a warm cup of coffee and a kiss to your loved one.