GIZMO'S GOSSIP 

Hi again everyone.  Gizmo here.
Snow and cold have finally arrived. BIG TIME. All winter sports are fully cranked and going full out, including skiers, x-c skiing and snow shoeing. I love going with our guests as they x-c ski up our miles of trails. I keep them on the straight and narrow (so to speak) and even help them sniff out our resident moose MORRIS. I'll bet you didn't know that Mom and Dad give a gallon of syrup to any guest who sees Morris. They keep saying they're going to get a Moosecam but so far they haven't.

Other guests enjoy using our complimentary snow shoes for exploring. But isn't that a little unfair ? Why aren't snowshoes provided for the guest dogs ? You should see how hard it is for some of these little guys to keep up, 36 inches of soft snow is a bit much for a 12" dog.

Speaking of soft white snow. My long white fur creates great cover. Almost makes me invisible. Unfortunately some have mistaken me for the abominable snowman. A few have simply called me abominable.

Finally Mom and Dad have asked me to remind you again of our spring special. Until April 1 we're running a "threefer". Stay for three nights and pay for only two. Such a deal !

Banana Pecan Pancakes with Maple Butter

Enjoy!

 
2 cups buttermilk
3 eggs
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
4 Tbs sugar
1/2 cup pecans, toasted & finely ground
1/2 stick unsalted butter, melted
3 bananas, sliced in 1/4-inch circles
Maple Butter, recipe follows:
1/4 cup pure maple syrup
2 Tbs honey

1.

Preheat oven to 200 F. In a large mixing bowl whisk the buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla together so they are well combined. In a separate bowl mix the flour, baking powder, soda, salt, and sugar. Combine the wet ingredients with the dry and stir with a spoon to get rid of the lumps. Fold in the pecans, most of the melted butter and whisk until batter is smooth. Heat a griddle or skillet over medium low heat and swirl around a little melted butter to keep the pancakes from sticking. Using a ladle pour the batter into the pan.

2.	Cook the pancakes on 1 side until they are set and then lightly press the bananas into the batter. When small bubbles appear on the uncooked surface, flip the pancakes and cook until golden on both sides, about 8 minutes. Transfer pancakes to a warming plate in the oven while you make the rest.

3.	To serve, slice the maple-honey butter, layer it between the stack of pancakes and place in the oven to melt for 1 1/2 minutes. Sprinkle with confectioner's sugar. Yield: 6 servings

snow..snow..and more SNOW!!`