Pancakes

       Ingredients

·  8 slices bacon, chopped

·  1 cup maple syrup

·  1 cinnamon stick

·  1 vanilla bean, split or a splash of vanilla extract

·  2 cups multigrain pancake mix

·  1 3/4 cups low-fat milk (add a bit more for a thinner pancake)

·  1 egg

·  A pinch of cayenne pepper or chili pepper

 ·        Makes about 16 pancakes 

 Preparation

·   In a medium skillet over medium-high heat, cook bacon until crispy. Remove to a plate and let cool.

·   While bacon is cooking, pour maple syrup into a small saucepot with the cinnamon stick and vanilla bean and warm through.

·    In a large bowl, mix together the pancake mix, milk, egg, cayenne pepper or chili powder and reserved bacon. Heat a nonstick griddle or sauté pan over medium heat and cook pancakes to your desired doneness, about 2 minutes per side.