Even though the weather is not cooperating.... we are excited about our excursion up the valley into Highland County
to the 51st Highland Maple Festival celebrating the tapping of the maple trees for their delectable goodness!
I love the ambiance and by gone feeling of this town that time has forgotten~
To quote one source, "The locals call the Monterey area "Little Switzerland", and for good reason. The road in twists and turns through the forest and up over mountains until at last rounding a curve to reveal the quaint little town below.
Sleepy all year, it fully awakens in preparation for the hordes who flock there mid March every year!
Following all the exhibitions and craft exhibits in the quaint village of Monterey we will travel to the Sugar Tree Country Store in McDowell for a first hand exhibit of the tapping and processing of the Maple Magic!!
So I thought I'd share the following recipe for those who would like to try their hand at a little old time goodness! Sorry, though you'll have to do without the Maple magic or else, order some mail order, from
http://www.sugartreecountrystore.com/
Buckwheat Pancakes
Ingredients:
3 cups buckwheat flour
1 cup regular flour
1 tsp. salt
1 package Rapid Rise yeast
1/4 cup warm water
2 3/4 cups warm water
1 tsp. sugar
2 Tbsp. brown sugar
1 Tbsp. oil
3/4 tsp. baking soda
1/3 cup oat bran
Mix flours and salt in a large bowl. Dissolve yeast in the 1/4 cup of water. Mix the 1 teaspoon salt in the 2 3/4 cup of water. Pour both liquid mixtures together and mix. Add to flour mixture and stir until smooth. Let sit at room temperature for about 4 hours until doubled and then fallen.
Heat griddle over medium heat. Griddle is ready when a small drop of batter sizzles on contact.
Mix in the rest of the ingredients. Lightly grease griddle and drop about 1/2 cup of batter onto griddle. When edges are dry and middle begins to bubble flip and cook on other side until golden brown. Serve with butter and maple syrup. Makes about 3 dozen pancakes.
