I’m happy to report that I’ve survived another pumpkin season, working at my family’s business Vala’s Pumpkin Patch in Gretna, Nebraska! One of the most fun things we did at the pumpkin patch this year was to host a pancake breakfast every Saturday in October. My sisters and I had to report to the farm bakery at 7am sharp, prep pancake batter, bacon and coffee for around 100 people and hope we could keep up with the flipping and serving. This event was a labor of love really – it was our Grandpa Ernie’s idea, back in the day, and we’re using our Grandpa Chuck’s from-scratch Buttermilk Pancake recipe, and well… our family just loves good pancakes, and we had fun sharing this passion with early-bird farm guests.

So naturally, my first Saturday morning back in Boston, reunited with my sweetie pie, I decided to switch up my delicious routine a bit (but not too much) and make waffles. I really like oatmeal waffles and pancakes because you get the extra texture and heartiness from the oats. I also added walnuts and a handful of mini chocolate chips to the batter (Geoff always requests chocolate chips in his pancakes). And mmm-mmm, these were just what we needed to kick the weekend off right. I may not have to whip up pancakes for 100 anymore (until next year!) but I’m happy to keep the Saturday morning pancake/waffle tradition going at the Fong house. Continue reading →