Each year I buy into a CSA (crop share) and a flower/herb share from an incredible local farm, Little Peace Farm, that grows by organic means.  One thing I love about this farm is Farmer Mike loves to grow different things.  Many times he grows heirloom varieties or other items you just can’t find anywhere else.  A few weeks ago while picking up my shares, I selected cinnamon basil for part of my herb share.  The herb itself was very intriguing and the smell was incredible.  In my mind I could picture it with fruit.

The next day I promised my daughter I would make some Einkorn wheat pancakes.  I began tinkering with the idea of topping the pancakes with some fruit sautéed and slightly caramelized with the cinnamon basil.  For the einkorn wheat pancake recipe check out the Jovial site.  Jovial Einkorn Wheat Pancake Recipe  (I like to substitute honey for sugar in the Einkorn Wheat Pancake Recipe.)  This recipe could be used with any pancakes too you might even like to try it with Elizabeth’s Favorite Sprouted Whole Wheat Pancakes

Ingredients:

Pancakes

1 nectarine per person (peaches or plums would work great also)

Cinnamon basil (can sub with regular basil and a dash of cinnamon) (9-10 leaves per person)

Oil to saute (bacon grease, butter, coconut oil, etc.)

Grade B maple syrup

1.  Melt your cooking oil of choice in a saute pan.  I used saved bacon grease from pastured raised pork.

2.  Add sliced fruit.  (I’ve made this with nectarines and sometimes with peaches so some pictures may vary)

3. Prepare cinnamon basil.  Keep the leaves whole unless they are large and just pull in half.  For one serving I use about 9-10 whole leaves.

4.  Add cinnamon basil to the pan with fruit.  Let it saute by itself for about a minute to release the flavor.

5.  Stir the cinnamon basil and fruit together.  Keep stirring until the oil, fruit and herbs start to caramelize.  At this point if using regular basil add the cinnamon.  I would probably just use tops 1 tsp of cinnamon.  You just want a hint of flavor.

6.  Top pancakes with the fruit, cinnamon basil and some of the caramelized juice.  Drizzle the grade B maple syrup over top and ENJOY!!!

Deb