On Blueberry Pancakes, Nostalgia, and Family

Have you ever noticed how the taste of something can be so nostalgic?

Saturday morning I woke up feeling under the weather. It was raining and cold since fall is definitely here in Seattle. After my morning coffee and "me" time, I found myself having a deep craving for the blueberry pancakes my grandma Nonnie used to make me when I was a kid.

I have such fond memories of waking up on a Saturday or Sunday morning after me, my little brother and the cousins stayed for a highly anticipated sleepover. Back in the 70s in Southeast Portland in her single-wide trailer, she made us all feel special with her blueberry pancakes, which she whipped up out of Jiffy Blueberry muffin mix since it was much cheaper than pancake mix and fresh blueberries, eggs, and bacon.

Now as an adult, I've kind of crafted a bit of an upscaled version with big juicy fresh blueberries, fresh lemon zest, and buttermilk. But when I take that first bite and I close my eyes I'm still a little kid in the trailer park with my family having my grandma's pancakes without a care in the world!

What foods take you back to your childhood?

Here's a practice for this week: Make something that brings you joy and takes you back to your childhood and share it with your family...whatever your family today looks like! Remember the good times.