Paula's Pancakes in Solvang California

After waiting for 30 minutes to get seated I finally got to order my breakfast:  The pancake combination plate.  I went with scrambled eggs, pancakes and danish sausage.   The pancakes were wonderful.  Thin and fluffy all at the same time.  The butter was whipped and spread out nice and evenly.  The powdered sugar was plentiful.  It would have been better if it was served with real maple syrup.  These came with stereotypical "pancake" syrup.  I also didn't like the sausage.  It was not browned enough on the outside and the the texture was a little too much like baloney.  The sausage also had some odd lingering flavor.  My dining partner said it reminded him of egg rolls.  I still can't figure out what that egg roll flavor is, but it's not good.

Just order the pancakes and you'll be happy.  I'd give it a 7 out of 10.

Date Bran Muffins with Honey & Brown Sugar

Ingredients: 1 cup wheat bran, 1 cup buttermilk*, 1/4 cup vegetable oil, 1/4 cup brown sugar (+ 2 tablespoons for later), 2 eggs, 1/2 cup honey, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla, 1 1/2 cups flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, 1 cup chopped dates, 1 large banana,  1/2 cup nuts**

Preheat Oven to 400 degrees and line a dozen muffin tins with paper liners.

Microwave the banana  on high for about 90 seconds and mash with a fork.  In a large bowl combine all the other ingredients and mix well.  Add in the banana.  Sprinkle extra 2 tablespoons of brown sugar on top of the muffins to create a nice golden sugary crust. 

*You can substitue the buttermilk for plain milk or soymilk.
** I suggest walnuts, but feel free to add in some almonds or chopped pecans.

One more note:   You can go Vegan on these by omitting the honey in favor of molasses and using egg substitute.