Everyone has that go-to dinner meal when time is limited and tummies are rumbling. The best part? This mustard and maple syrup glazed chicken recipe only requires four ingredients. The sweetness infused by the maple syrup appeals to those with sweet tooths (and picky eaters!). If you’re more about the bite and less about the sweet flavor, be sure to load up the glaze with mustard. Either way, you won’t be disappointed.
Ingredients for Mustard and Maple Syrup Glazed Chicken:
6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (you can use bone-in too)
one large shallot, minced
3 tablespoons of real maple syrup
1 1/2 tablespoons Dijon mustard with seeds
Method: 1. Pre-heat broiler. Sautee shallot with olive oil over medium heat in a saucepan. Salt and pepper both sides of the chicken on a foil-covered baking sheet.
2. After shallot softens (about 1-2 mins), add maple syrup and mustard until glaze thickens and bubbles, stirring occasionally, about 2-3 mins. You can use as much maple syrup or mustard as you like — we suggest making it so it’s 2:1 ratio of syrup to mustard.
3. Brush one side of the chicken with glaze and broil for 5-6 mins. Turn chicken over and cover with glaze. Broil another 5-6 mins until chicken is cooked through. Serve with rice and veggies.
For a Malted Twist in Hipster Central: Sunday in Brooklyn
Don't even think about trying to head here without a reservation. (We stopped by one weekend afternoon and the wait was about two hours.) But clearly, Sunday in Brooklyn—not too far from the brand new Domino Park—is doing something right. In addition to elevated breakfast and lunch foods, the restaurant serves its famous malted pancakes with hazelnut maple praline, and brown butter. They're rich, an unexpected but delicious taste sensation, and super fluffy.
For a Gluten-Free Pancake in Times Square: Friedman's at The Edison
You heard us right. Friedman's at The Edison Hotel will prepare its celebrated pancakes gluten-free. (In fact, they can do the same for 99 percent of their menu, and they even mark them with a little sign saying so!) Choose from blueberry, lemon ricotta, or buckwheat banana walnut. Good to know: Friedman's serves breakfast all day, and has also mastered kid faves like mac and cheese.
If you like your pancakes a little extra with a side of kitsch, head to Mom's Kitchen and Bar. You can get brunch all day here, including the Bedrock Pancakes (with Fruity Pebbles, mixed berries, berry syrup and whipped cream, shown here), mac and cheese pancakes or apple cobbler pancakes. Come for the comfort food, stay for the impressive collection of vintage lunchboxes!
Mom's Kitchen & Bar Midtown 701 Ninth Ave. Midtown
Mom's Kitchen & Bar Astoria 33-01 31st Ave. at 33rd St. Astoria
If you like your pancakes light and fluffy, you will love Bubby’s. Adapted from a James Beard recipe, Bubby’s uses sour cream instead of milk to get the perfect amount of fluffiness. They also serve sourdough and buckwheat versions and sometimes offer Johnny cakes, pancakes made from cornmeal. Little ones have the option of ordering silver dollar pancakes off the kid’s menu, but most eat right off the regular menu, usually opting for blueberry.
For The Organic Pancake Served at Chelsea Market: Creamline
At this fast casual eatery tucked into the hustle and bustle of Chelsea Market, you can indulge in any menu item guilt-free thanks to the commitment to using sustainable, locally-sourced ingredients in every dish. Take the Buttermilk pancakes: They’re made with fresh Farmer Ground Flour and griddled to crispy and fluffy fabulousness. They’re served with Catskills Provisions maple syrup and a choice of organic banana, blueberries or chocolate chips. Farm to Tray? Count us in.
For the Almond Milk Pancake served in a grown-up setting: Dante
Since 1915, Dante has delighted guests with its sophisticated European ambience and feeling that you could linger all day over a delicious latte. The food at this Italian-Australian café that’s a quintessential part of the West Village is equally appealing and the almond milk pancake with seasonal berries and cinnamon maple syrup—served in its own cast-iron skillet—is sure to please any discerning kiddie taster. Best of all weekend brunch starts here at 10 AM when most locals are still sleeping so grab an outdoor table!
Dante 79-81 Macdougal St. West Village Online: dante-nyc.com
For the Pancake Like Grandma Makes: Good Enough To Eat
A popular spot on the Upper West Side, Good Enough to Eat serves pancakes just like Grandma makes, and they're so pretty, they are good enough to eat. Made from their four grain oatmeal pancake mixture, flavors include: apple, banana walnut, Belgium chocolate and coconut, fruit, and traditional. Oh, they also serve an amazing strawberry butter on the side to add a little more yumminess to the mix.
Good Enough to Eat 520 Columbus Ave. & 85th St. Upper West Side Online:goodenoughtoeat.com
Pancakes get all kinds of crazy at this Essex Market outpost of the legendary Greenwich Village diner, now no longer. The variations run from enticing (peach melba, and lemon ricotta blueberry) to pushing the envelope, such as the iconic "slutty cakes", which come stuffed with peanut butter. And yes, another fan favorite is the Mac & Cheese pancake, which you can get solo or mashed up with some other brunchy item. (Be forewarned, the restaurant's menu is famously very, very extensive and they're closed Monday and Tuesday.)
Shopsin's Essex Market Stall #8 Lower East Side Online:shopsins.com
For the Award-Winning Blueberry Pancake: Clinton Street Baking Company
Famous for blueberry pancakes and long lines, Clinton St. Baking Company is definitely worth the wait. Still, pancakes are served in the evening as well, so consider stopping in right at 5 p.m. when they open for dinner. Made with a whole lot of love and even more butter, these pancakes are more than a meal – they’re a work of art. Topped with their addictive signature maple butter, besides blueberry, they offer banana-walnut and chocolate chunk, and during pancake month in February, they offer a different flavor every day. And if your little ones can’t get enough at the restaurant, you can make them at home as the recipe is featured in the Clinton St. Baking Company's award-winning cookbook.
For the Italian Pancake Served Among Flowers and Trees: Olio e Piu
At this West Village trattoria, your mood will lift as soon as you see the space, filled as it is with flowers and plants bedecking both the interior and exterior patio. Your kids will thrill at the sight of the café’s variety of Frittella Di Olio, an Italian staple of olive oil pancakes, that are rich but not too sweet. Our fave: the Fritella Botanica served with blueberry compote, lemon ricotta, maple syrup and lemon olive oil, though the Fritella Banana, with candied walnuts and bananas, doesn’t disappoint either. PS: Pancakes are available daily from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. so you don’t even have to wait ‘til the weekend to indulge!
Olio E Piu 3 Greenwich Ave. Greenwich Village Online: olioepiu.nyc
For a Local Favorite and Tons of Charm: Tom's
Helping give Brooklyn the title of best pancakes in New York City, Tom’s is a popular joint with many locals claiming the pancakes are not only the best in the city, but also the best on the planet. Offerings include: lemon ricotta, silver dollar and chocolate chip. Like any Saturday or Sunday, the lines are long, but you won’t go hungry as they keep you fed while waiting. Don’t eat too much as you need to save room for the pancakes. This is another cash only spot, so don’t forget to hit the ATM. Can't deal with long lines? Make a special mid-week pancake date with your kids.
In a little French bistro on a crowded street in Cobble Hill you will find some of the best pancakes in Brooklyn. More like a donut than a pancake, these round, floppy circles of perfection sprinkled with powdered sugar are only served with real maple syrup. During the weekend brunch hours there’s obviously a reason you’ll see a plate of pancakes on every table—they’re that good. This cash-only spot can get packed, so go pre-10 a.m. before the traditional brunch crowd gets there. You're up early anyway, right? If your kids are on the louder side, never fear, they have outdoor seating in a lovely back garden as well.
Café Luluc 214 Smith St. (between Butler and Baltic St.) Cobble Hill Online:cafeluluc.net
Give the pre-made pancake mix a break with this fast and made-from-scratch buttermilk pancake recipe that even the most pancake-challenged parents can easily make. Get the little ones in on the fun by letting them help pour the ingredients into the bowl and sprinkle fresh blueberries into the batter. The whole family will be digging into these yummy cakes within 20 minutes. If you want to get fancy, check out our round-up of creative pancakes, and pass the maple syrup!
Buttermilk Pancake Recipe: Ingredients
1 ½ cup flour
1/3 cup sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 ½ cup buttermilk
2 eggs
3 tablespoons canola oil
1 teaspoon vanilla
Instructions:
1. Get ready by taking out all of your ingredients and placing a griddle or large pan over medium-low heat. You’ll need 2 large bowls, measuring cups, measuring spoons, a whisk, and a large spoon.
2. In bowl number one, pour and mix all your dry ingredients together (flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt).
3. In bowl number two, pour and mix all your wet ingredients together (buttermilk, eggs, canola oil, vanilla) and whisk.
4. Pour bowl number two (wet ingredients) into bowl number one (dry ingredients) and mix gently with a large spoon.
5. Butter the griddle or pan and spoon pancake batter onto the pan in little circles. You can even experiment with making shapes (mickey mouse is a popular choice).
6. Cook each side until golden (you’ll see bubbles begin to form when it’s time to flip). Top with butter and maple syrup and enjoy.
We’ve all been there: all set to bust out your favorite recipe or do some baking with the kids and you find yourself short on a key ingredient. Whether you’re looking for a baking soda substitution or you are in need of an egg substitution, or it’s just not practical (or safe) to go to the store, we’ve got a handy list for those just-in-case moments.
Baking powder: The following are equal to 1 tsp. baking powder.
1/4 teaspoon of baking soda + 1/2 teaspoon of cream of tartar
1/2 cup plain yogurt + 1 tsp. baking soda. Mix dry ingredients together first before adding yogurt. dded to dry ingredients. (Reduce amount of water or other liquids).
1/2 tsp. lemon juice + 1/4 tsp. baking soda.
1/4 cup of molasses + 1/4 tsp. baking soda.
1/2 tsp. vinegar + 1/4 tsp. baking soda.
Baking soda:
Baking powder at a 3x ratio (i.e. 3 tsp. baking powder = roughly 1 tsp. baking soda).
Brown sugar:
1 cup white sugar + 1 tbsp. maple syrup or molasses
Maple syrup, agave nectar or molasses at the ratio of 2/3 cup liquid to 1 cup of brown sugar. Reduce your other liquids in the recipe by 1/4 cup each.
Aquafaba, aka bean water! This is the liquid leftover from canned beans. Use 3 tbsp. per egg. This is great to sub for whipped meringues or when a recipe calls for egg whites.
Flour:
It’s Pretty hard to sub out flour, but you can create your own flour from dried oats if you powder them. Other flours, such as almond flour or coconut flour, can be used on a 1 to 1 ratio but don’t expect the same results. Liquids bind differently with these flours, so if possible try for a half regular/half alternative flour recipe.
Half and half or heavy cream:
Add 2 tbsp. of cornstarch to regular milk.
Melt 1/4 cup butter into 3/4 cup regular or skim milk.
Lemon/lemon juice:
You can sub in vinegar, orange juice, lime juice or white wine in place of lemon juice.
Powdered sugar:
DIY your own powdered sugar by putting regular (castor) sugar into a food processor until it’s…well…powdered!
Sour cream:
Add 1/4 cup vinegar or lemon juice to yogurt.
Yeast:
There isn’t really a great substitute for yeast, but in a pinch you can try using equal parts baking soda + vinegar (or another acid like lemon juice) to create a leavening effect.
Sub a little of your water for vodka and your pie crust somehow comes out flakier. And now you have an almost-full bottle of vodka on hand. Just sayin…
If you run out of food coloring, Use Jello to tint decorative icing.
Take a break from city life and spend this long weekend skiing (we list our favorite slopes here) or get cozy at one of these winter wineries for a family-friendly day trip. In celebration of MLK Day on Mon., carve out some time to reflect on the great civil rights leader with these DC library events or step into history by standing on the very step Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his “I Have a Dream” speech from. Scroll down for more ways to fill your holiday weekend with at-home and virtual events.
photo: iStock
Beethoven Symphonies Abstracted
To accompany the National Symphony Orchestra’s Beethoven & American Masters concert series, author and illustrator Mo Willems presents Beethoven Symphonies Abstracted, an exhibition of nine large-scale, painted abstractions inspired by the music and genius of Beethoven. The nine works will be on display from January 8–March 20 in the Hall of Nations during the Center’s public operating hours. The works can also be viewed online here. Fri.-Sun.Event details.
Maple Sugaring
Ever wonder how maple syrup is made? From steel buckets and oxen-drawn wagons to the advanced technology used today, maple syrup production has changed considerably over time. But one thing has remained constant – maple trees and their sweet sap. Join Steve to learn about the history, production, and biology of maple sugaring. He’ll also discuss the maples found in the collections of the U.S. Botanic Garden and the U.S. National Arboretum. Fri. Event details.
Advocate Speech Contest
Take a moment to listen (or read) MLK’s famous “I Have a Dream” speech here. After soaking in the power of this great orator’s words, consider issues that move you to write your own speech in hopes of moving others. In celebration of MLK Day, Takoma Park Library is challenging all kids 5-19 to create a speech where you highlight an issue or cause that is important to you. Activity details.
Collaborative Poster Project
This self-directed project shows the power of coming together! Head to Shepherd Park Library to get a small “puzzle piece” of a portrait to color at home. Decorate your section of this collaborative poster as you see fit and return your segment to the library by the end of Jan. These pieces will be glued together to create one giant portrait of Martin Luther King Jr. Your small piece is needed for the greater work! Activity details.
Letters to Community Helpers
Pen a letter of appreciate to your favorite local hero. Share your heartfelt thanks with your favorite teacher, a local emergency worker or your neighborhood bus driver. These letters are being collected by Northeast Library in honor of Martin Luther King Jr.’s commitment to service. Drop your letter off at the designated mailbox by Jan. 16 to share words of kindness with community helpers. These letters (artwork is also welcome!) will be on display before being delivered. Activity details.
“I Have a Dream” Poetry Contest
In honor of MLK Day, Petworth Library is hosting a poetry and essay contest where kids can wax poetic about their vision for a better world. Kids 5-19 are invited to participate in this contest, simply drop your entry off by Jan. 20 (or email it to the library). Activity details.
You ever have those mornings where you can’t choose between a waffle and a Pop-Tart? Why not enjoy both? The newest toaster pastry to hit the shelves, Eggo Frosted Maple Syrup, will have you dreaming of breakfast all night long.
Hop out of bed and pop these into your toaster in the morning (or anytime, really). The new Pop-Tart has a flaky, buttery crust just like an Eggo waffle. It also has a maple-flavored filling and white icing with a waffle grid pattern!
You can buy this delicious Pop-Tart starting in December, with eight count boxes available at retailers everywhere and two count packs available in convenience stores. While you’re at it, keep an eye out for the popular pastry line’s other latest release, Día de Muertos.
We all know “the best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear,” but we kinda think these adorable bears from Build-A-Bear are just as joyous.
The beary festive collection is all about Buddy the Elf and is only available on the Build-A-Bear website. You can shop bundles or individual pieces to dress up your own bears in true Elf fashion.
Currently, you can shop from three gift sets: Buddy the Elf, Buddy the Elf with maple syrup and Buddy the Elf Happy Hugs wearing jeans and a T-shirt. The sets range from $47 to $52 but are currently on sale!
You can also shop a pajama set and the individual jeans, T-shirt, shoes and maple syrup wristlet separately with prices starting at $5. And of course, everything is Buddy approved.
If you were excited for the collectable set of The Office figurines then hold onto your hats, your elf hats! There are two more themed Little People sets available modeled after the movies Elf and Lord of the Rings. Grab these for your kids or for your own collection.
The Elf set includes Buddy the elf, Jovie and a Christmas Tree. Buddy is even holding his own bottle of maple syrup.
The Lord of the Rings set comes with six figures including Frodo Baggins, Gandalf the Grey, Aragorn, Lady Arwen, Gimli and Legolas. The Frodo figurine is holding the One Ring.
Outdoor ordering? Check. Grab-and-go setup? Check. Perfect summertime outing with kids? You bet. Whether you’re craving authentic soft serve or churros à la mode, here’s the scoop on where to find the best frozen dessert trucks in Los Angeles.
Back in 2014, CVT Soft Serve brought traditional, ultra-creamy ice cream to LA, via a retrofitted Mr. Softee truck. The initials in the name stand for chocolate, vanilla and twist—the only three flavors CVT dishes out. When it comes to toppings, CVT similarly keeps it classic, offering rainbow sprinkles, chocolate sprinkles and sea salt. Most weekdays, you'll find the CVT truck in Sherman Oaks or Burbank. Follow them on social media for exact times and locations.
Indulge in small batch ice cream (with flavors like Early Grey, Creamy Mocha Swirl and more) from Recess Truck. In addition to ice cream, Recess also serves up ice cream cookie sandwiches, sundaes and the one-of-a-kind french toast sandwiches (ice cream topped in the middle and topped with maple syrup and powdered sugar).
Online: recesstruck.com
Enjoy a perfect combo of creamy ice cream and crispy churros, courtesy of Ridges Churro Bar in San Gabriel. The truck will also make home deliveries in the San Gabriel Valley area. Follow them on Instagram for all the details.
As the name implies, this food truck specializes in bite-size churro treats, including an à la mode option perfect for summer. The truck has been known to park in the Arts District and Monterey Park. Check them out on Instagram for exact locations and times.
It's the ultimate summer treat: a fluffy ice-cold snowball in flavors like pink lemonade, watermelon and cottony candy. You'll usually find the Breezy Freeze truck parked around Granada Hills—follow them on Instagram for details, plus the scoop on regular deals and freebies.
There’s nothing sweeter than Buddy the Elf and now you can enjoy a sweet treat inspired by the jolliest Elf in the North Pole while you check off your holiday shopping list at Target.
The store has released limited-edition Elf Icees and while they don’t feature any maple syrup, it still has Buddy’s stamp of approval for spreading holiday cheer and fans seem to love it.
The icy, cool treat comes in a near green lime color and features a cherry lime flavor. An Icee might not be an obvious holiday season treat, but you can’t deny that appealing color and flavor combo.
