pancakes and benjamin braddock

I've got some things going for me, but when it comes to cooking, I'm not winning any James Beards. But lately I've been motivated to make some simple dishes (including an amazing quinoa, chickpea, cucumber and tomato salad) and loved the process—so I'm riding the wave. When friends were discussing brunch plans last weekend, it occurred to me that I've never made the most basic of all breakfasts: pancakes. I don't typically like starting the day with a big meal, but I've been feeling really domestic and content with downtime at home—and lazily passing the morning with a thick stack of flapjacks and magazines on my sun-soaked balcony is the perfect low-key activity for that mood. If you want to chill out without the carbs, enjoy a Dustin Hoffman marathon. I'm making an effort to see more classic movies and made good on that goal during yesterday's thunderstorm with The Graduate. I love learning the background of an actor's real life relative to what's happening in character—and it's fascinating to watch Hoffman knowing his performance "made" his career. Some superficial research revealed that the 30 year-old was unknown before being seduced by Mrs. Robinson, his casting made "conventional good looks" no longer an on-screen requirement, and he turned down a lot of roles following Graduate fame for less glamorous theater gigs. So interesting. Can't wait to continue the study with Rain Man and All the President's Men. Hope your week's off to a great start (and if not—line up a Saturday pancake fest to look forward to)!

Chocolate: reminds me of my mom's fluffy cocoa-infused 'cakes that were such a sleepover hit.
Lemon Poppyseed: lightly sweet with delicate texture—interesting, but subtle.
Banana Nut: the nutty crunch gives it a hearty feel and robust taste.
Espresso Chip: an indulgent way to get that great coffee flavor and energizing caffeine kick (sans teeth stains!).