Nutella Stuffed Pancakes

The Joy of Nutella Stuffed Pancakes: A Busy Mom's Sweet Escape

Mornings in our house are a whirlwind. Between getting the kids ready for school, packing lunches, and making sure everyone has their shoes on the right feet, there's barely a moment to breathe. Yet, amidst the chaos, I find a small pocket of peace in the kitchen. It's where I can steal a few minutes for myself, away from the demands of the day. And nothing quite says "me time" like a stack of warm, fluffy Nutella stuffed pancakes.

This recipe isn't just about the delicious taste; it's about the simple pleasure of creating something delightful amidst the routine. The aroma of warm pancakes fills the kitchen, a comforting scent that signals the start of a new day. The process itself is strangely meditative; whisking the batter, carefully placing the frozen Nutella discs, and watching them puff up in the pan – it’s a miniature escape from the relentless pace of life. The beauty of these pancakes lies in their simplicity. They require ingredients that are usually on hand, and the process is straightforward enough for even the most sleep-deprived parent to handle. It’s not about perfection; it's about creating a small moment of joy in the midst of everyday chaos.

Beyond the Recipe: Finding Moments of Calm

As a mom, I'm constantly juggling multiple roles: caregiver, chauffeur, cook, cleaner, and sometimes even referee! It's easy to get lost in the endless to-do list, feeling perpetually overwhelmed. But those few minutes spent making these pancakes become a small act of self-care, a ritual that helps me ground myself and recharge. It's a reminder that amidst the whirlwind, there's always room for a little something sweet, a little something just for me.

And the best part? My kids love them too. Sharing this simple pleasure with them creates a little moment of connection, a shared experience that transcends the everyday rush. It's a way to connect with them, even amidst the chaos, and it's a reminder that even the smallest moments can be filled with love and laughter.

More than just Pancakes: A Symbol of Self-Care

More often than not, we find ourselves neglecting our own well-being in our efforts to care for others. We sacrifice our needs, our time, our desires, for the sake of everyone else. But this isn’t sustainable. Self-care isn't selfish; it's essential. It’s about recognizing our own needs and making time to meet them. For me, making these Nutella stuffed pancakes is a small but significant act of self-care. It’s a reminder that I deserve a little bit of joy, a little bit of indulgence, a little bit of peace in the midst of my busy day.

So, the next time you're feeling overwhelmed, try this recipe. It’s more than just a delicious breakfast; it's a reminder to slow down, take a breath, and find joy in the simple things. It’s a reminder to take care of yourself, because you deserve it. Because even the busiest mom deserves a delicious, Nutella-stuffed pancake or two.

Beyond the Kitchen: The Everyday Rituals

The act of cooking, particularly something as simple and comforting as these pancakes, has become a daily ritual for me. It’s not just about providing sustenance; it's about creating a sense of order and calm amidst the unpredictable nature of daily life. The repetitive movements of whisking, mixing, and flipping become a form of mindfulness, a way to center myself and appreciate the present moment. It's a form of meditation, without the need for quiet solitude.

This extends beyond the preparation of food itself. I’ve found that incorporating small, deliberate acts into my daily routine – like taking a few minutes to sit with a cup of tea before the chaos begins, or listening to a calming podcast while I’m doing the dishes – has made a significant difference in my overall well-being. These little moments of self-care, no matter how small, are essential for maintaining balance and preventing burnout.

The Power of Simplicity: Embracing the Everyday

Ultimately, this recipe, like many other simple recipes, is a testament to the power of embracing the everyday. It's a reminder that we don’t need extravagant ingredients or complicated techniques to find joy and contentment. The beauty lies in the simplicity, in the process, in the shared moments around the table. It’s about finding joy in the small things, in the everyday rituals that shape our lives. And sometimes, that’s all we need – a warm pancake, a cup of coffee, and a few quiet moments to appreciate the beauty of a simple, delicious treat.

So, go ahead and make these Nutella stuffed pancakes. They’re more than just a delicious breakfast; they're a small act of self-care, a moment of peace, and a delicious reminder to embrace the beauty of the everyday.

Step-by-step

• Line a baking tray with baking paper (parchment paper).
• Dollop 1½ to 2 tbsp of Nutella onto the baking tray and spread into a disc around 2½" / 6cm in diameter and ¼" / ½ cm thick. (Note 1) Repeat to make 7 discs.
• Place the tray in the freezer until firm (around 1 to 1½ hours).
• Peel off the parchment paper. Keep the Nutella discs in the freezer until required (they soften quickly).
• Place the Dry Ingredients in a bowl and whisk to combine.
• Make a well in the centre and place the Wet Ingredients in the well. Whisk until combined and lump free (stop whisking as soon as it is smooth, don't over whisk).
• Melt ½ tsp butter in a non stick fry pan over medium heat. Once melted, wipe most of the butter off with a paper towel. (Note 2)
• Take 3 Frozen Nutella Discs out of the freezer just before you start cooking. (Note 3)
• Dollop ½ cup of batter into the fry pan. Working quickly, place 1 Frozen Nutella Disc in the middle of the batter, then top with batter to cover the Nutella disc (Note 4).
• When bubbles start appearing around the edges (around 2 minutes), lift up the edge and make sure the underside is golden. Then flip and cook until the other side is golden.
• Repeat with remaining batter. Melt more butter in the pan after the 3rd or 4th pancake. You should be able to make 7 in total, but sometimes it makes 6 - depends on how much batter you use on top of the Nutella.
• Serve warm with sliced strawberries, if using. You could also serve with cream but I find that it's not necessary!