Chive and Smoked Cheddar Pancakes with Maple-Glazed Bacon

Ingredients:

For the Pancakes:

• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons fresh chives, finely chopped
• 1 cup shredded smoked cheddar cheese
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 large egg
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• Additional butter or oil for cooking

For the Maple-Glazed Bacon:

• 6 slices bacon
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Optional toppings:

• Maple syrup
• Sour cream or Greek yogurt
• Additional chopped chives for garnish

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Pancake Batter:

   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, chopped chives, shredded smoked cheddar cheese, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Stir until well mixed.

2. Mix Wet Ingredients:

   • In another bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, egg, and melted butter until smooth.

3. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:

   • Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined. Do not overmix; a few lumps are okay. Let the batter rest while you prepare the bacon.

4. Prepare the Maple-Glazed Bacon:

   • Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
   • In a small bowl, mix together the maple syrup, brown sugar, and black pepper.
   • Place the bacon slices on the prepared baking sheet. Brush both sides of the bacon slices with the maple syrup mixture.
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and caramelized. Remove from the oven and set aside.

5. Cook the Pancakes:

   • Preheat a griddle or non-stick skillet over medium heat. Lightly grease the cooking surface with butter or oil.
   • Pour about 1/4 cup of pancake batter onto the preheated griddle for each pancake. Cook until bubbles form on the surface of the pancakes and the edges look set, about 2-3 minutes.
   • Carefully flip the pancakes using a spatula and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, or until cooked through and lightly browned on the bottom. Transfer the cooked pancakes to a plate and cover with aluminum foil to keep warm.

6. Assemble and Serve:

   • Serve the chive and smoked cheddar pancakes warm, topped with the maple-glazed bacon slices.
   • Optionally, drizzle with additional maple syrup and garnish with sour cream or Greek yogurt and chopped chives.

7. Enjoy:

   • Serve these savory and indulgent pancakes for a delicious breakfast or brunch experience!

Note: You can customize these pancakes by adding a sprinkle of extra shredded smoked cheddar cheese on top of each pancake before flipping for an extra cheesy flavor. Feel free to adjust the amount of chives and cheese according to your taste preferences.