Smoked Salmon Mini Pancakes

The weekend is here! Well yesterday brought another wonderful dinner with Justin and Luke- if I have not mentioned them before- they are the two good friends I have in my program that keep me sane. I think with time and life- I have learned to be grateful for truly great friends that come into your life- I am truly thankful. Yesterday they hosted dinner. Beau and I are trying to save our pennies because Ninja's surgery is coming up and it is a bit costly- and trust me- the money does not roll in when you are a graduate student. So, Justin and Luke were so sweet to host dinner and make some yummy food to help Beau and I save- instead of going out to eat, like we usually do.

Well- they made Cesar Salad, Mediterranean Tilapia, Mac and Cheese and picked up some Sam's Club Seasonal Gourmet Cupcakes (check out my review of them, to come, on my Cupcakery Review Page).I know they were so sweet to get cupcakes because they knew that would be an awesome stress reliever for me. I may have already started pre-panicking about Ninja's surgery. Well for this dinner- I did not want to be a total mooch- and make something. We may have decided on pot-luck last minute- so I ran home thinking, what can I make?! I decided upon, re-making Cheesy Corn Cakes because I have noticed that Justin, Luke and the Hubby really like hush puppies, and although not similar exactly- the corn element is pretty similar. I then decided to make these adorable Smoked Salmon Mini Pancakes.

I found out an exciting fact about Sam's Club and the holidays- they make cake balls! I LOVE cake balls- you better believe I will be running over there and picking some up. I also heard about a cake place in College Station/Bryan area Called Cake Junkie- that also make unique and delicious cake balls- I will also be going there :) Who knew there would be so many wonderful- well known- foodie hole in the walls in College Station/Bryan Area. Do not get me wrong though- this is not a foodie area by far. Coming from Houston- I my food palate has been sad- but this also resulted in the catalyst to make me want to food blog and appreciate food when I travel to different places.

SMOKED SALMON MINI PANCAKES 

Adapted from Evil Shenanigans 

INGREDIENTS

FOR PANCAKES
1 c. all purpose flour
2 tsp. baking soda
Pinch of salt
1 tbsp. paprika
2 tbsp. butter, softened
2 oz cream cheese, softened
1 egg
3/4 c. of milk
Smoked Salmon

SOUR CREAM SAUCE:
1/2 c. of sour cream
3 oz. cream cheese
1/4 c. mayo
2 tsp. cilantro
Pinch of salt
                       

DIRECTIONS

In a medium size bowl, combine flour, baking soda, salt, and paprika- set aside. In a small bowl, combine butter, cream cheese and mix well. Then add egg and milk- whisk together mixture until well incorporated and no visible large bumps appear. Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients, again whisking until well incorporated. Heat a non-stick skillet to medium heat and lightly cover with cooking spray.

Scoop the batter (I used a small cookie scoop; Evil Shenanigans stated to scoop by the tbsp.) onto the skillet and cook for one minute. Flip the pancake and cook for an additional 30 seconds. The times are just guidelines (but worked well for me)- the goal is to cook the pancakes until they are golden brown on each side, cooked through and spring back when lightly pushed down. Place on try and allow pancakes to completely cool.

While the pancakes are cooling- combine sour cream, cream cheese, mayo, cilantro, and salt in small bowl. Mix very well (I used a hand held mixer to create a nice creamy texture). Take each pancake and cover with sour cream spread. Then top with Smoked Salmon Strips.

Enjoy,
Chika