German Pancake

Hello, Saturday morning breakfast. This is quick and easy to throw together while you're still waking up. :)





What's Needed:
4 large eggs
1/2 C. whole milk (you can probably lighten this recipe up by doing 2% or skim)
1/2 C. flour
1 T. granulated sugar
1/2 tsp. pure vanilla extract (this is important. NEVER use imitation.)
1/2 tsp. grated lemon zest
1/4 tsp. kosher salt
2 T. unsalted butter
Confectioners' sugar, for serving
Lemon and raspberry preserves, for serving (optional)

1. Heat oven to 425.

2. In a blender, puree the eggs, milk, flour, granulated sugar, vanilla, lemon zest, and salt until well combined.

3. Heat a medium or large (9- to 10-in.) skillet over medium heat. (IMPORTANT: Make sure you use a skillet with a METAL handle. This skillet will be going in the oven.)

4. Add the butter and melt. Add the batter, transfer the skillet to the oven and bake until the pancake is puffed and golden, 12-15 minutes.

5. Dust with confectioners' sugar, if desired.

Husband's Grade: A+
PointsPlus: 5 (for 1/4 of the pancake)

Inspired by: Woman's Day Magazine, April 1, 2011 edition

Sauerbraten

Back to my German roots with this meal. I love Sauerbraten, but this is the first crockpot recipe I've ever found for it.

What's Needed:

4 lb. lean beef rump roast
1 C. water
1 C. vinegar
1 lemon, sliced but unpeeled
10 whole cloves
1 large onion, sliced
4 bay leaves
5 whole peppercorns
2 T. salt
2 T. sugar
12 low-fat gingersnaps, crumbled

1. Place meat in a deep glass bowl.

2. Combine water, vinegar, lemon, cloves, onion, bay leaves, peppercorns, salt, and sugar. Pour over meat. Cover and refrigerate for about 12 hours (if you do this the night before you're ready to cook it, that's perfect!) Turn meat several times while marinating.

3. Place beef in slow cooker. Pour 1 cup marinade over meat.

4. Cover. Cook on LOW for 6-8 hours. Remove meat.

5. Strain meat juices (I used a colander over a deep cooking pot to do this). Return juices to pot. Turn crockpot to HIGH. Stir in gingersnaps. Cover and cook on HIGH 10-14 minutes, OR until gravy thickens.

6. Allow meat to rest for 15 minutes. Slice. Pour finished sauce over meat to serve. Serves 12.

Suggestion: Serve with mashed potatoes.

Husband's Grade: A
PointsPlus: 6 points (without potatoes)

Inspired by: Fix-It and Forget-It Lightly