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**Classic Recipe: Homemade Pancakes**
Flour is the main ingredient in pancake batter, and with just a few additional ingredients, you can make fluffy, golden pancakes that are perfect for breakfast or brunch.
**Ingredients**:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 tbsp sugar
– 1 tsp baking powder
– 1/2 tsp baking soda
– 1/4 tsp salt
– 3/4 cup buttermilk (or regular milk with 1 tbsp lemon juice)
– 1 large egg
– 2 tbsp melted butter
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
**Instructions**:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
2. In a separate bowl, combine the buttermilk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
3. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough pancakes.
4. Heat a griddle or skillet over medium heat and lightly grease with butter or oil.
5. Pour 1/4 cup of batter onto the griddle for each pancake. Cook until bubbles form on the surface, then flip and cook for another 1-2 minutes until golden brown.
6. Serve with syrup, fresh fruit, or your favorite toppings.
These pancakes are light, fluffy, and easy to make. Flour provides the structure, while the other ingredients add flavor and moisture. Whether you’re having breakfast on a lazy weekend or making a batch for a crowd, these pancakes are always a hit.
### 5. **Rice: A Simple Side Dish That Complements Any Meal**
Rice is one of the most common pantry staples found in households around the world. It’s versatile, inexpensive, and easy to cook. Rice can be served as a side dish, incorporated into casseroles, or used in soups and salads.
**Classic Recipe: Chicken and Rice Casserole**
Rice is the perfect base for a hearty casserole. This classic chicken and rice casserole is a comforting and filling meal that’s easy to make and requires only a few ingredients.
**Ingredients**:
– 2 cups cooked rice
– 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
– 1 can cream of chicken soup
– 1/2 cup sour cream
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup frozen peas (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
**Instructions**:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a large bowl, combine the cooked rice, shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, cheddar cheese, and peas. Stir until well combined.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
5. Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.
This chicken and rice casserole is a one-dish wonder that brings together the comforting flavors of rice, chicken, and cheese. It’s easy to prepare and perfect for busy nights when you need a filling meal.
### Conclusion: Rediscovering Pantry Staples
There’s something deeply satisfying about cooking with ingredients that have stood the test of time. These pantry staples—canned tomatoes, dried pasta, peanut butter, flour, and rice—are reliable, versatile, and inexpensive. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create dishes that are both comforting and delicious, and that remind us why these items have remained kitchen essentials for so long.
So, next time you open your pantry and reach for one of these familiar ingredients, remember the endless possibilities they offer. You might be surprised at just how much you can create with what’s already in your cabinet. Rediscover the joy of cooking with pantry staples, and you might find that your next favorite recipe is just waiting to be made.
