Luggage and Pancakes

The day we got back I decided to make pancakes. We didn't have any ingredients for anything else, so pancakes were pretty much the only option. I dug up a recipe for fluffy, scrumptous pancakes and let me tell you, they were awesome! Oh, but before the recipe, I'll tell you about the luggage. When we landed in Pune, as soon as we got off of the plane they were announcing, "David Hartman, please contact Lufthansa Ground Services." Not what you want to hear. So we got down to baggage claim and they came over and said that only two bags had made it. Zach's and my bags had come. The other eight bags were still in Frankfurt. The Lufhansa people said that the remaining bags would come the next day. It really wasn't a big deal, so the next day Dad and I went to pick up the other bags. Well, only six had come on that flight. We were, and still are, missing two more bags. :) Supposedly they are coming tomorrow morning, so hopefully that will be the end of it. Now, let's make some pancakes.

Fluffy Pancakes
Yields: About 4 large pancakes or 8 smaller ones

1 1/2 cups flour
3 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon sugar
1 1/4 cups milk
1 egg
3 tablespoons of either oil OR melted butter
Cinnamon and/or Nutmeg to taste (optional)

Dump all of the ingredients into a large bowl and mix until smooth. Pour out batter onto a lightly greased pan over medium-high heat. The trick with pancakes is to cook them quickly, but not too quickly or the middle will still be raw. Serve with butter and a whole lotta syrup! :)

I like to put chocolate chips on the pancake right after pouring it out onto the griddle. Pecans or walnuts are good too! I would post a picture of these wonderful breakfast treats, but they were gobbled up too quickly. Until next time...

Andy

U. S. of A. and Travel

It's been a while hasn't it? This summer has flown by at around 150 mph. For those of you checking out my blog from my cards I have been handing out, welcome!! I hope you enjoy laughing with me at my life and maybe find a good recipe along the way. :) (By the way, if you don't have one of my business card-like thingys let me know if you want one!)

I have been here in America for a few weeks now, but before I illustrate this picture, let me paint the scene of a historic town called Mainz, in the middle of Germany. On the way to the US this year, we decided to stay over in Germany for a few nights. Having never been to Europe, I didn't know exactly what to expect, but I was extremely excited.  I have always been fascinated with Germany and its culture, but I never was quite sure why. To describe the town we stayed in is impossible. But I can try. Close your eyes. In your mind, picture cobbled streets and quaint, softly lit houses and shops on each side of the street. Hear a fountain in the town square, listen to children playing tag around the square, and smell pretzels coming out of the stalls at fantastic rates. Open your eyes. This is Germany. It was the best trip I have ever been on.

Now, America. I have really enjoyed seeing my family and friends and hanging out with everyone. :) The southern cooking has been even more amazing than you could imagine. The green grass, huge trees, and wide, open roads are awesome. (Speaking of roads, I got my learner's permit!) Yeah, it would be fun to live here.

When I think of opening a cafe or something somewhere in the world, first I think to myself, "Can I see myself living here?" And the answer to most countries, well, all countries, is yes. I guess I'm a culture addict.

Defintion:
Culture addict- noun. the feeling or desire of a human to live in or inhabit many countries in the world. Symptoms include but are not limited to; indecision in where to attend college, longing for global citizenship, and in extreme cases, forgetting the current country of residence.

There is so much to write about and I tend to ramble so I'll finish with this. To all of my friends and family who made my trip special: It has been great and I am so blessed to have you guys. Right now, I feel called to cook, and so I'll cook. If God calls me to preach, I'll preach, and if God calls me to do anything else, I'll do it.

Andy