MY M&M’s holiday pancakes

Use MY M&M’s to make your December brighter.

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t I’m a December baby, so for years, my birthday has been lumped in with Christmas. As a kid, it was horrible to receive “multipurpose” presents either before Christmas (for my birthday and Christmas) or after my birthday (for Christmas and my birthday). I felt cheated — one of the holidays was always an afterthought.

t As an adult, I find that having a birthday during the holidays (aka the “party season”) is really fun — even if they’re not all my party. With all the fanfare and lights, it’s hard not to be happy. Right?

t Not. Do you struggle with juggling the holiday shopping, cooking for friends and family and — most importantly — enjoying the spirit of the holidays and relaxing with loved ones? Ironically, the last item tends to be the most difficult.

t During this fast-paced, eggnog-infused season known as “the holidays” in our politically correct world, it’s hard to find even a moment of sanity. So here’s an idea: Instead of one moment, how about several hundred easily accessible moments?

t This season, M&M’s is proud to present personalized MY M&M’s, which are perfect for gifts (stocking stuffers!) and parties (“Jefferson Family Christmas Party 2013”). They give you the ability to tell your loved ones what they mean to you. “Meet me under the mistletoe?” Anyone?

t Personally, I enjoy setting a huge bowl of these treats next to the tree. Every time you see someone subtly grab for the bowl… bingo! M&M’s have upped the holiday spirit. There will be many repeat offenders — I’ve already witnessed these encounters.

t It’s as simple as that. You will feel better knowing you provided a little spirit for that M&M’s lover. I mean, what’s not to love about M&M’s? Even better, these are personalized and holiday-colored.

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t For me, the holidays are all about baking, so try substituting MY M&M’s for chocolate chips in cookies. Sprinkle whole or chopped MY M&M’s on iced cupcakes and cakes. Fold them into fruitcake, sticky buns or even pie — or check out my recipe below for MY M&M’s pancakes.

t Say it your way by personalizing these M&M’s with pictures of Christmas trees, snowmen or Santa Claus, or by inscribing them with well-wishes for the season. During this time of year, it’s easy to forget those people who mean the most, but it doesn’t take much to let them know.

t Creating M&M’s with personalized messages is a great way to simply say, “Merry Christmas” or “I love you.” They’re simple, delicious and to the point — and after all, that’s what the holidays are all about.

MY M&M’s pancakes

t Serves 4

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Ingredients:

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• 1 cup all-purpose flour

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• 2 tablespoons sugar

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• 2 teaspoons baking powder

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• Pinch of salt

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• 1 cup milk or water

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• 2 tablespoons melted and cooled butter or vegetable oil, plus extra for greasing pan

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• 1 large egg

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• 1/4 cup Christmas personalized MY M&M’s

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• Maple syrup, for serving

Directions:

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1. Whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder and salt. Add the milk, butter/oil and egg, and mix until all the lumps are gone.

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2. Heat a skillet over medium heat and add 1 teaspoon of oil or butter.

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3. Ladle 2-3 tablespoons of batter into the pan for each pancake. Make sure not to crowd the pan.

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4. When the pancake beings to bubble (after about 1 minute), add the desired amount of MY M&M’s.

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5. Flip the pancake and cook for an additional 30 seconds.

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6. Serve immediately or keep it warm in a preheated oven. Serve with maple syrup.

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tWhile all of the content on SheKnows.com reflects the honest opinions of our writers, Mars, Inc. sponsors certain content on SheKnows.com.