I can still remember when I first got married, and being home from the honeymoon--our 1st weekend rolled around, and I thought I am going to get out our new waffle maker and make my husband waffles! Yea that was a disaster and they tended to be every weekend for the next year. I couldn't get waffles, pancakes, or crepes to look right, and so I gave up for awhile. Well 11 years and quite a few Williams Sonoma cooking classes later and I finally figured some things out so I thought I would share a few of those secrets! The 1st thing being don't attempt a recipe from Williams Sonoma for the 1st three years of marriage and 2nd find a GOOD food blogger. One who simplifies the steps and also has amazing photos along the way--pretty pictures inspire me:) I still remember the 1st time I went to Gal Meets Food website--I was blown away at how pretty and easy she made everything look. I wanted to make every recipe she had posted. Well her pancake recipe is now my family's go to pancake recipe so I invited her to share the steps for you guys in hopes that you too start your own tradition!

Guest Blogger, Jenna, from Gal Meets Food

When you are newlyweds, there is something about long, lazy mornings when you can both sleep in and just enjoy being together. Side-by-side in your PJ's, these are the mornings for making breakfasts that take a bit more time to put together.... like pancakes, waffles or eggs made the way you like them. No toast-to-go or scarfing down a bowl of cereal on mornings like these! Nope. It's time for breakfast!

Or brunch... depending on what time you wake up! ;)

You can have breakfast in bed or sit cross-legged & barefoot at the table together. Read, laugh and talk about your future plans. Of course not everyday is like this... there are busy workdays for sure, but isn't it wonderful on those days when you can take time for breakfast?? Especially a big 'ol stack of... you guessed it!....

PANCAKES!!

These pancakes are not super complicated, but they do take a bit more time than "Just add water" to a mix. And let me tell you.... they are totally, COMPLETELY worth it. I promise!! It took a lot of tries but I've got these pancakes right where I want them: DELICIOUS! I've LOCKED in the recipe and it's time to share.

This recipe is for thick & cake-y pancakes (the way I like 'em!), but you can add a bit more milk to the batter if you prefer them thinner! The blueberries are not a must but they are highly recommended and my personal favorite addition. Add chocolate chips instead if you're in a sweet mood or go for sliced bananas or strawberries if you want another flavor. Or just leave the pancakes plain if that's how you like them! You can always serving toppings on the side.

For me... the blueberries go inside and on top!! Cooking them in a bit of butter is a must. And finally... topping them with a drizzle of real maple syrup is the only way to go.

Oh, and by the way, even if you've been married for a while and there are kids in the picture, you can still have mornings like these. In fact, I would encourage you to carve out these "pancake breakfast" mornings when you have nothing scheduled to run off to. Gather at the table or after feeding the kiddos just you two lovebirds can sneak back up to bed to enjoy a private breakfast together while they play or watch a show or something. Speaking of "lazy" mornings... I need to get one of these on my calendar STAT!

In any case... I hope you'll throw caution to the wind and dive into a high pile of pancakes! ♥