How to Make Acorn Pancakes

1. 543MAGAZINE PRESENTS: A TASTE OF ADVENTURE – HOW TO MAKE ACORN PANCAKES www.543magazine.com

2. WHEN CHILDHOOD DREAMS COME TRUE: COOKING ACORN PANCAKES I can still remember the thrill of diving into Jean Craighead George’s My Side of the Mountain as a kid. The story of Sam Gribley, a twelve-year-old who escapes his New York City life to live off the land in the Catskill Mountains, was more than just a book for me—it was a gateway to adventure. Sam’s life of self-sufficiency, complete with his falcon Frightful and his unique meals, sparked my imagination.

3. Among the many details that fascinated me was Sam’s diet, notably his beloved acorn pancakes. Back then, my mother dismissed my attempts to make them, citing the impossibility of transforming acorns into flour. It was a tough pill to swallow. But as I grew older, I learned that acorn pancakes weren’t just a figment of literary imagination—they’re a real treat with a rich history. Here’s how you can bring a taste of Sam’s world to your kitchen with this nostalgic and nutritious recipe for acorn pancakes.

4. STEP 1: GATHERING THE ACORNS Begin your adventure by collecting acorns. Aim to harvest about a third more than you need to account for any imperfections. Look for acorns that are in good condition—perfectly intact and free from bugs. If they’re rotting or damaged, set them aside and keep searching for better specimens.

5. STEP 2: PROCESSING THE ACORNS Crack the acorns open and remove the nutmeat. Discard any pieces that are dark, chipped, or have been compromised by insects. Use a coffee grinder to process the acorn meat. You’re aiming for a texture similar to ground coffee beans, not a fine flour.

6. STEP 3: REMOVING TANNINS Acorn meal is notorious for its bitterness due to high tannin content. To remove these tannins, place the acorn meal in a stocking or cheesecloth, and rinse it under cold running water. This process will need to be repeated multiple times—around a dozen or so—until the water runs clear and tasteless. This step is crucial to achieving a pleasant flavor in your pancakes.

7. STEP 4: DRYING THE MEAL Once you’ve rinsed the acorn meal, spread it out on a baking sheet to dry. Avoid baking it, as this can introduce a bitter taste. Allow it to air dry completely.

8. STEP 5: MIXING AND COOKING Since acorn meal lacks yeast, it’s best used in combination with other flours. I recommend mixing it with buckwheat flour or cornmeal to balance its unique nutty flavor. Combine your acorn meal with your chosen flour, a bit of sugar, baking powder, milk, and eggs to make a pancake batter.

9. STEP 6: ENJOYING YOUR CREATION Cook the batter on a hot griddle or skillet, just like you would with regular pancakes. Serve with your favorite toppings—maple syrup, fresh berries, or a dollop of yogurt—and savor the flavor of your homemade acorn pancakes.

10. WHY TRY ACORN PANCAKES? While knowing how to make acorn pancakes might not be a survival skill, it’s a delightful project that ties you to nature and history. It’s a fun and educational fall activity to share with kids or to impress friends with your culinary creativity. Plus, it’s a tasty way to explore traditional Native American cuisine and bring a piece of Sam’s adventure into your home.

11. So, grab those acorns and start cooking. You might just find that acorn pancakes become your new favorite way to celebrate the changing seasons. Enjoy the journey, and happy cooking! • VISIT OUR WEBSITE: www.543magazine.com • THANK YOU!