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Chocolate Chip and Candied Bacon Pancakes with Nutella Maple Syrup

Valentine’s Day is coming.

Chocolate Chip and Candied Bacon Pancakes with Nutella Maple Syrup

We do not really celebrate Valentine’s Day here at Casa Shenanigans.  No heart shaped boxes of candy, no bunches of wilted grocery store roses, and no adult-sized footie pajamas in the mail.  No, we do not celebrate with silly tokens.  We celebrate with food.  Sometimes we go out, but more often we stay in and make something really naughty.  This year I will be making my darling these.  We both love candied bacon, he loves chocolate chip pancakes, and I love Nutella.  They are the perfect blend of what we both love.

Chocolate Chip and Candied Bacon Pancakes with Nutella Maple Syrup

I guess it goes with out saying that these pancakes are a little over the top.  We start with a tender, yet hearty, pancake made with buttermilk and a little cream cheese.  They are studded with melting chocolate chips and salty bits of candied bacon.  Yes, I could have stopped there, it would have been enough.  But … I kept going.  I made what may possibly be the best sauce ever.   It is a blend of dark maple syrup and Nutella, along with some butter and a hint of vanilla.  It is spectacular on pancakes, but I can easily see it poured warm over ice cream or drizzled over pound cake.  This is a meal for those days when calories are not a concern, or when you want someone special to know how much you care.

Chocolate Chip and Candied Bacon Pancakes with Nutella Maple Syrup     Serves 4 – 6

For the candied bacon:
6 strips thick cut bacon
1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon cocoa powder

For the syrup:
1/2 cup Nutella
1/2 cup maple syrup
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/2 teaspoon vanilla

For the pancakes:
2 ounces cream cheese, softened
2 tablespoons butter, softened
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
2 eggs
1 1/2 cups buttermilk
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup sugar
2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Chocolate Chip and Candied Bacon Pancakes with Nutella Maple Syrup

Heat the oven to 375 F and line a baking sheet with aluminum foil.  Spray a wire cooling rack with non-stick cooking spray and place it on the prepared baking sheet.  Lay the strips of bacon on the wire rack with about 1/2- inch of space between them.

Chocolate Chip and Candied Bacon Pancakes with Nutella Maple Syrup Chocolate Chip and Candied Bacon Pancakes with Nutella Maple Syrup Chocolate Chip and Candied Bacon Pancakes with Nutella Maple Syrup

In a small bowl combine the brown sugar, cinnamon, paprika, and cocoa powder until well combined.  Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the bacon.  Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the bacon is crisp and the topping is bubbling.  Cool completely on the rack.  Once cool roughly chop.  Set aside.

Chocolate Chip and Candied Bacon Pancakes with Nutella Maple Syrup

In a small saucepan combine the Nutella, maple syrup, butter, and vanilla.  Place the pot over low heat, stirring constantly, until the butter is melted and the mixture is smooth.  Set aside.

Heat a flat griddle, or other large smooth bottom skillet, to medium-low heat.

Chocolate Chip and Candied Bacon Pancakes with Nutella Maple Syrup Chocolate Chip and Candied Bacon Pancakes with Nutella Maple Syrup Chocolate Chip and Candied Bacon Pancakes with Nutella Maple Syrup Chocolate Chip and Candied Bacon Pancakes with Nutella Maple Syrup

In a medium bowl cream together the cream cheese, butter, and vanilla until smooth.  Add the eggs, one at a time, and whisk until evenly incorporated.  Add the buttermilk and whisk until well combined.

Chocolate Chip and Candied Bacon Pancakes with Nutella Maple Syrup Chocolate Chip and Candied Bacon Pancakes with Nutella Maple Syrup Chocolate Chip and Candied Bacon Pancakes with Nutella Maple Syrup Chocolate Chip and Candied Bacon Pancakes with Nutella Maple Syrup

In a large bowl combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.  Whisk to mix.   Stir in the chopped bacon and the chocolate chips.  Make a well in the center and pour in the wet ingredients.  Stir until just combined and no large lumps of dry flour remain.

Chocolate Chip and Candied Bacon Pancakes with Nutella Maple Syrup Chocolate Chip and Candied Bacon Pancakes with Nutella Maple Syrup

Spray the griddle with non-stick cooking spray and scoop the batter, by the 1/3 cup, on to the heated griddle.  Cook for 2 to 3 minutes on the first side, or until the batter begins to puff, the edges are no longer shiny, and the cooked side is golden brown.  Flip and cook for 1 to 2 minutes on the second side, or until the pancakes spring back when gently pressed in the center and are golden brown.  To hold pancakes while cooking store in a warm oven on a wire rack.  They will hold for up to 45 minutes.  Serve warm with a drizzle of the syrup.

Chocolate Chip and Candied Bacon Pancakes with Nutella Maple Syrup

Enjoy!

Chocolate Chip and Candied Bacon Pancakes with Nutella Maple Syrup

Author: Kelly

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