blueberries

Winter Warmers – Breakfast ideas to warm even the coldest mornings!

blueberries-531209_1280

When the barometer dips and the winds howl, you often need a good reason to jump out of bed on a cold winter’s morning in Colorado.  Warm up your Denver breakfast table with a delicious meal to share with family and friends.  After all, breakfast is still the most important meal of the day!  Here are a few of our favorite recipes that will have you ready to rise and shine on even the frostiest mornings.

Heavenly Hot Chocolate

– For your kiddos, a warm cup of cocoa might be just the thing to jump-start the day.  Simply add ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder, ½ cup water, ¼ cup sugar, and salt to a medium sauce pan. Whisk over medium heat just until beginning to bubble. Whisk in 3 cups whole milk and 1 ½ cups half and half. Bring mixture to simmer. Remove from heat; whisk in 1 tsp. vanilla extract.   Serve with whipped cream!  And for the adults and coffee drinkers in the house, mix hot chocolate with coffee for a delicious mocha!

Steel Cut Oats –

A piping hot bowl of oatmeal is always a comforting treat on a chilly morning.  Simply prepare oats according to package instructions, add milk or buttermilk, and then top with a variety of delicious toppings.  Some of our favorite toppings include sliced apples, cinnamon, and nutmeg, or cranberries and pecans, or banana, golden raisins, and dried cherries.  It is always fun to play around with your favorite toppings to make the meal special.

Root Vegetable Hash and Eggs –

A warm veggie hash is always a great winter meal! Simply slice and dice your favorite root vegetables.  We like sweet potatoes, yellow potatoes, beets, and a little onion and garlic.  Season with salt, pepper and olive oil, spread evenly on a baking pan and roast in a 400 degree oven until veggies are soft.  Serve hash with your choice of fried or poached eggs for a colorful breakfast treat!

Scrambled Eggs with Spinach and White Cheddar Cheese –

The smell of scrambled eggs cooking in the skillet will rouse even the sleepiest bear out of hibernation!  We love to prepare classic scrambled eggs and add a little bit of spinach and white cheddar cheese to spice up this classic dish.  And of course we always serve our scrambies with a thick slice of toast!

Of course, if the kitchen is just too chilly to make your own breakfast, come visit your friends at Original Pancake House!  Join us at one of our two Denver restaurants to enjoy a variety of warming winter meals including our Green Chile Eggs Benedict, Cowboy Omelet, and of course our famous Apple Pancake!  Stay warm, Denver!


Holiday Blog

Celebrate the Season with Special Holiday Breakfast Treats

Holiday Blog Post Title

 

 

‘Tis the season for family, celebrations, and of course many delicious, traditional holiday meals.  Whether you are celebrating Christmas, Hanukah, Kwanza, or Festivus, you are likely planning to join friends and loved ones for at least a couple holiday feasts.  At Original Pancake House, we like to make the season bright with special morning treats.  Here are a few holiday breakfast recipes that we like to cook for family and friends.

 

Christmas “Make-Ahead” Egg Casserole:

This breakfast dish is wonderful because you can prepare everything the night before and simply pop it in the oven on Christmas morning!

 

Ingredients:

12 large eggs

1/2 loaf day old bread (sourdough is best)

1 package Polidori Italian sausage

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Salt and pepper to taste

 

Directions: At least 2 hours and up to 12 hours before cooking, assemble ingredients.  Grease large casserole dish. Beat all 12 eggs until fluffy, set aside.  Tear day-old bread into bite-sized cubes, set aside.  Cook ground sausage, breaking up meat into small pieces as it cooks, set aside and let cool.  Pour eggs and bread cubes into casserole dish, ensuring bread becomes submerged and soaked in eggs.  Add cooled sausage and mix well.  Season to taste with salt and pepper. Cover casserole dish and refrigerate overnight.  On Christmas morning, preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Uncover casserole and place in oven, cook for 30 minutes or until eggs are set.  Sprinkle cheddar cheese over top of casserole and return to oven for additional 10 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.  Serve warm with a side of salsa or hot sauce.

 

Overnight Egg-nog French Toast

Ingredients:

1/4 cup butter (melt the butter while the dish is baking), melted

7 large eggs

2 cups eggnog

1 1/2 ounces rum (optional)

1/3 cup sugar

1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

Salt

1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla

1 loaf French bread, cut into 1 inch slices

Powdered sugar

 

Directions:

Beat together eggs, eggnog, rum, sugar, nutmeg, cinnamon, salt and vanilla. Dip both sides of each slice of bread in this mixture and place them side by side in a greased casserole dish. Pour any remaining mixture over the slices. Cover and refrigerate overnight. Bake in 450 degree oven on bottom rack for 20-25 minutes (watch the bottom doesn't get too brown). Place on rack to cool slightly and dust with powdered sugar. Serve with Canadian maple syrup and the melted butter.

 

Gingerbread Pancakes

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon ground dried ginger

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 egg

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/4 cup molasses

1 1/2 cups water

 

Directions:

Whisk the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ginger, and cinnamon in a bowl; set aside. Beat the egg in a separate mixing bowl with the vanilla and molasses until smooth. Whisk in the water until completely incorporated. Stir the flour mixture into the molasses mixture until just combined -- a few lumps are okay. Heat a lightly oiled griddle over medium-high heat. Drop batter by large spoonfuls onto the griddle, and cook until bubbles form and the edges are dry. Flip, and cook until browned on the other side. Repeat with remaining batter.

 

Don’t forget to treat yourself this holiday season as well. Join us for the best breakfast in Denver and be sure to try our scrumptious holiday specials, which include Egg Nog French Toast, Ho! Ho! Ho! Pancakes, Holiday Link Sausage and Eggs, and the Holiday Plate.

 

From all your friends at Original Pancake House, we wish you and your family a very happy holiday season.


OPH August Blog

Labor Day Traditions

"Grapes" by The Q Speaks is licensed under CC BY 2.0
"Grapes" by The Q Speaks is licensed under CC BY 2.0

Labor Day became a federal holiday in 1894 and since then it has signaled the end of summer. Although we’re sad to see summer leave us, there is still much fun to be had over the long weekend in Denver to wrap up the summer memories and create a few more memories.

Host BBQs and Picnics

What honors the summer season more than a good ol’ BBQ or picnic? Gather up your friends and family and fire up the grill for one last outdoor hurrah with this tasty on-the-grill recipe:

Grilled Grapes: Marinate halved grapes in ½ cup olive oil, 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar, 1 teaspoon crushed red-chili flakes, 2 crushed garlic cloves for 10 minutes. Place grapes in a grill basket and pop on medium heat to grill for no more than 2 minutes. Eat as is for a Denver brunch or place atop some toasted bread with brie for a sophisticated, quick and creamy sweet appetizer at dinner.

Splish-Splash

The weather is still nice enough to take one (or two) last dives in the pool or lake. It’s also a great time for a boating or fishing trip. Soak up the summer rays and spend time on or in the water! Anyone up for a little Marco Polo?

Last Day to Wear White

Fashionistas say not to wear white clothing after Labor Day given the cooler weather coming in and historical fashion rules. But old habits die hard, so for many of you, this weekend is your last chance to sparkle in white before perusing your closet for those warmer fall colors.

Travel

A somewhat atypical way to spend Labor Day - but how often do you get a three day weekend, eh? Many find it the perfect time to travel around. Enjoy the beauty of Colorado by escaping to the mountains or enjoying all that the Mile High city has to offer. See the sights and sounds

of a new environment and maybe do some shopping, restaurant-hopping, and outdoor activities with the family.

Community Festivals—

Colorado is packed full of festivals this time of year offering food, music and lots of excitement. Some popular events sure to satisfy your inner foodie, sports fan and artsy side include:

When thinking about the literal meaning of Labor Day, it doesn’t sound all that appealing but knowing these traditions are celebrated across the country makes celebrating the value of work by taking time off, a little more enjoyable, don’t you think? So whether you’re spending time around the pool or maybe enjoying a yummy Denver breakfast with us at the Original Pancake House Denver Tech Center restaurant or Cherry Hills Village restaurant, we hope you enjoy it!


Family

End of Summer Family Bucket List

Happy Family Vacation

With the start of a new school year fast approaching, consider heading out for a family fun day before the end of vacation.  To make the day special, start with a hearty breakfast in Denver at Original Pancake House. With menu favorites such as Chocolate Chip Pancakes or OPH Smiley Cakes for the kids, and a plethora of egg dishes and more for the parents, everyone will leave full, happy, and ready to enjoy a day of adventure.  Read on to learn about a few of our favorite local spots to spend the day with the family.

 

Dinosaur Ridge

A part of the Morrison Fossil Area National Park, Dinosaur Ridge is a great place for families to see actual dinosaur footprints sealed by time. Dinosaur Ridge is famous for its Exhibit Hall and summer camps where young people can learn more about paleontology.

 

Cherry Creek State Park

A perfect spot for nature lovers, Cherry Creek State Park offers families a relaxing spot to spend the day. Enjoy hiking, biking, or horseback riding on the many trails throughout the park.  If it is a hot day, rent a canoe or kayak from the marina and picnic on the sandy beaches surrounding the reservoir.  Cherry Creek Park even offers an “airstrip” for flying model airplanes and a family shooting range.

 

Elitch Gardens

Summer vacation isn’t complete until you spend a day at Elitch Gardens.  Ride the slides to cool off in the water park and then test your adventurous spirit on the roller coasters and thrill rides.  There are attractions, rides, concerts and entertainment for kids ages 4 -100 which means the whole family will enjoy the day.

 

Tiny Town

Open to the public since 1920, Tiny Town, is a miniature collection of houses, buildings, and railroads to entertain kids of all ages. With more than 90 buildings on display, visitors enjoy stepping back in time with a ride on the railroad and marveling at all of the creations. Located close to Morrison, you get the added bonus of enjoying mountain surroundings on this trip!

 

The Children’s Museum

If you have younger children, Denver’s Children’s Museum is the place to go to “learn through play.”  With interactive exhibits, educational programs, and play areas, the kids will enjoy explorative play with everything from rockets, to bubbles, nature, and painting.

 

We hope you enjoy these last few weeks of summer, Denver!


Fiesta Bowl

Cool Breakfast Treats to Beat the Summer Heat!

Fiesta BowlEvery year in Denver we have a few weeks that are just plain hot.  When the thermometer has already reached 80 degrees before breakfast, sometimes you need a cool treat to start your day off on the right note.  Here are a few ideas for a refreshing morning meal!

Frozen Nutty Banana:

Cut one firm (but ripe) banana in half and un-peal. Arrange on a small baking sheet or freezer-safe plate, and spread each half evenly with 1 tablespoon of nut butter. Next add toppings such as granola, chia seeds, or flax seeds and cinnamon. Insert a popsicle stick or skewer into the cut end of each half, and freeze until solid (at least 2-3 hours).

 

Breakfast Parfait:

Grab a large glass or ice cream bowl andadd a scoop of your favorite yogurt, fruit and granola.  Continue adding layers until the glass or bowl is full.  Enjoy!

 

Breakfast Smoothie:

Blend one cup of milk, almond milk, or soy milk with ice and one cup of frozen or fresh fruit.  Berries and bananas work best!  For a thicker shake and extra calcium, add a little yogurt to your blender.  For an alternative to the classic fruit smoothie, replace the fruit and yogurt with a banana and 2 tablespoons of peanut or almond butter and blend until smooth.

 

Nutty Apple:

Select a large apple and slice in half.  Remove the core, plus a little additional apple flesh to create a large hole in the center of each half.  Fill each hole with peanut or sunflower butter and granola and reassemble apple.  Wrap the apple in aluminum foil or plastic wrap and enjoy on the run!

 

If you are dining out for breakfast in Denver, visit the Original Pancake House! We have several cool treats on our menu including the Fiesta Bowl, a healthy breakfast of non-fat yogurt and our Homemade Granola topped with fresh fruit. Or try our Homemade Granola, a healthy, delectable dish made from thick oats, pecans, raisins, and coconut seasoned with cinnamon and nutmeg, and served with skim milk.    Enjoy the summer!


Summer Road Trips

Summer Road Trips in Colorado

Great Sand Dunes
Great Sand Dunes

With the kids out of school, summer is the perfect time to explore the magnificent state of Colorado.  Our state offers nearly unlimited adventures for the family, but here are a few of our favorite places to visit during the summer months.

 

Glenwood Springs

An easy three-hour drive from Denver, Glenwood Springs is home to the world’s largest hot springs pool.  The whole family will enjoy playing in the water on a hot summer’s day.  Glenwood Springs also offers opportunities for hiking, whitewater rafting, fishing, and horseback riding, all nestled within a spectacular canyon of the Colorado River.

 

Colorado National Monument

Just past Grand Junction, the Colorado National Monument is a beautiful park with interesting red rock formations, cool hikes, and westward views as far as the eye can see. Be sure to stop in Palisade on your way and visit the orchards and vineyards for a taste of farm fresh Colorado peaches and cherries!

 

Great Sand Dunes National Park

Near the sleepy town of Alamosa, Colorado, the Great Sand Dunes rise out of the plateau forming a truly unique natural wonder.  Like a bit of the Sahara in the middle of our state, these dunes provide ample opportunity for exploration and family fun.  Many folks bring snowboards and skis to slide down the immense slopes.

 

Mesa Verde National Park

Near the mountain town of Durango, Mesa Verde National Park is one of only twenty World Heritage sites in the United States. Tour the ancient cliff dwellings, check out petroglyphs and enjoy the natural beauty of this special area.  Afterwards, pack a lunch and take a ride on the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railway.

 

Each of these destinations offers a unique adventure within an easy drive of Denver. So collect the kids, pack up the car, and head out on a summer road trip!  Just be sure to fuel up with a nice big pancake breakfast in Denver before you hit the highway.


Tradition is delicious

Mile High Anniversary Scavenger Hunt Answers!

Thank you to all who participate in the Mile High Anniversary Scavenger Hunt!  Folks who answer each daily trivia question with the correct response will be entered to win one of three (3) $50 OPH gift cards, or one (1) Grand Prize to include a $50 OPH gift card plus OPH swag!

And the answers are:

Day 1:

Day 1 Trivia

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Answer: The first Original Pancake House restaurant opened its doors in Portland, Oregon in 1953!

 

Day 2:

Day 2 Trivia

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Answer: When she was just 11-years-old Sara started working at the Original Pancake House as a coffee girl.

 

Day 3:

day3 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Answer: Owner Sara Hueneke Ernst’s collection of beautiful, hand-painted plates. The collection started with family heirlooms Sara received from her grandparents.

 

Day 4:

day4

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Answer: Sara Hueneke Ernst is the great niece of franchise co-founder Erma Hueneke.

 

Day 5:

day5

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Answer: Pancake Man revealed!

Pancake Guy Revealed in Facebook Banner

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Day 6:

Day 6 Trivia

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Answer: Many of the breakfast menu items at the Original Pancake House Denver feature berries including the popular Seasonal Berry Crepes, Strawberry Belgian Waffles, Blueberry Belgian Waffles, Seasonal Berry French Toast, and our Blueberry Pancakes.

 

Day 7:

Day 7 Trivia

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Answer: There are 21 delectable pancake items available at the Original Pancake House Denver, this number does not include seasonal pancake specialties. 

 

The Mile High Anniversary Scavenger Hunt will run for one week from Wednesday, June 18 to Tuesday, June 24, during which time players can participate in daily scavenger hunt challenges. The winners of the prize give-away will be announced on the blog on Friday, June 27.


2014 Anniversary Tent

Original Pancake House Mile High Anniversary Scavenger Hunt

2014 Anniversary Tent FrontC

It’s time to celebrate! We are excited to celebrate our 18th anniversary in Denver this June.  That’s a full 18 years of delicious Denver breakfast tradition!

In honor of our anniversary, we’re hosting the week-long Mile High Anniversary Online Scavenger Hunt.  Kicking off on our anniversary on Wednesday, June 18, visit our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ophdenver daily through Tuesday, June 24 to join in the fun and enter for your chance to win one of four great prizes!

Each day during the Scavenger Hunt, we’ll post an Original Pancake House trivia question on our Facebook page.  Participants simply need to find the answer and reply in the comments section of the respective Facebook post.  HINT: our website www.ophdenver.com has a lot of titillating information on your favorite Denver pancake house! On Friday, June 27, we will pick one Grand Prize winner and three additional First Prize winners from the correct entries to the daily trivia questions!

OPH Mile High Anniversary Scavenger Hunt prizes include:

One (1) Grand Prize: Original Pancake House Gift Package

·        $50 OPH Denver Gift Card

·        Adult-size OPH Denver apron

·        Child-size OPH Denver apron

·        OPH Denver wooden spoon

·        OPH Denver mug

Three (3) First Prizes: Original Pancake House Gift Cards

·        $50 OPH Denver Gift Card

In order to win, participants must “Like” OPH Denver’s Facebook page.  Remember, we’ll only accept one answer per daily challenge, but participants are encouraged to submit an answer to each of the four daily trivia questions.  As an added bonus, participants can receive an additional entry in the prize give-away by sharing the scavenger hunt daily challenge posts on their own Facebook pages.

We are excited to celebrate our Mile High Anniversary with you, Denver!  Thank you for 18 wonderful years of breakfast tradition.  Now for the Scavenger Hunt…on your mark, get set, go!


Happy Memorial Day

Meaningful Ways to Celebrate this Memorial Day

Happy Memorial Day
Happy Memorial Day

Memorial Day marks the non-official beginning of summer.  This favorite American holiday is often filled with BBQ’s, time spent with family and friends, and perhaps the first family trip to the pool.  At Original Pancake House, we love to celebrate this holiday by taking our families out to a leisurely breakfast in Denver!

In addition to relaxing with family and friends, Memorial Day is meant to be a day of remembrance and a time to celebrate those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation.  Read on to learn other popular ways to celebrate this Memorial Day.

Displaying the flag:

Flying the American flag on Memorial Day is a great way to show thanks to those who have served our country.   According to tradition, the flag should remain at half-mast until noon to honor the men and women who have fallen in combat. Remember it is customary to put your flag up at dawn and take it down by dusk.

Attend the Memorial Day Parade:

Denver will host a Memorial Day parade on Saturday, May 24 at Civic Center Park.  The parade begins at 11:30 a.m. and will be followed by a Veterans Memorial Day tribute at the Veterans Monument.

Learn Your Family History:

Memorial Day is a great time to pull out the family photo album and share your own family history with your children. Many of our grandparents and great-grandparents served our country and sharing their story with the next generation is a great way to honor and remember their sacrifices.

Display Memorial Day Poppies

: Red poppies are a symbol of Memorial Day inspired by John McCrea’s 1915 war poem In Flanders Fields.  Since the First World War, red poppies have become a way to “keep faith with all who died,” and are a memorial tradition in the United States, England, France, and more than 50 other countries.

On behalf of the Original Pancake House family, we would like to thank all of the men and women who have served our country.  Happy Memorial Day, Denver!


Eggstravaganza

Spring Eggstravaganza Recap

2014 Eggstravaganza FB cover_Final

As April comes to an end, we also close the curtains on our month-long Spring Eggstravaganza.  We’ve had so much fun celebrating eggs with you this past month.  One feature of our Eggstravaganza was a weekly Egg-off contest between several of the Original Pancake House favorites.  Our customers voted on their favorite egg breakfast dishes via Facebook and the results are in:

Week 1:  Fried Eggs claimed victory over Scrambled in our first weekly Egg-off.

Week 2: Denver Omelet took top prize in a heated contest with the ever-popular Joe.

Week 3: After a tight race, Green Chile Eggs Benedict inched ahead of Classic Eggs Benedict to take the win by a nose.

Week 4: In a close contest, Ham & Cheese Omelet earned the win over the Florentine Omelet.

All were close-fought “battles” and for good reason; we have a hard time choosing our favorite egg dishes as well!  As a closeout to the Eggstravaganza, we’d also like to share a few additional Eggstra Fun Facts about Eggs.

Did you know…

  • Each of the roughly 280 million laying birds in the U.S. produces from 250 to 300 eggs a year. In total, the U.S. produces about 75 billion eggs a year, about 10% of the world supply.
  • Normally, hens with white ear lobes lay white eggs, and hens with red ear lobes lay brown eggs. There is no nutritional difference between white and brown eggs.
  • A mother hen turns her eggs about 50 times per day.
  • The most expensive egg ever sold was the Faberge “Winter Egg” sold in 1994 for $5.6 million.
  • Egg size and grade are not related to one another. Size is determined by weight per dozen. Younger hens tend to lay smaller eggs. The size increases as the hen grows older and bigger. Grade refers to the quality of the shell, white and yolk and the size of the air cell.
  • There are 7 to 17 thousand tiny pores on the shell surface, a greater number at the large end. As the egg ages, these tiny holes permit moisture and carbon dioxide to move out and air to move in to form the air cell. The egg can also absorb refrigerator odors through the pores, so always refrigerate eggs in their cartons.

Thank you to all our customers and fans who helped us celebrate our Spring Eggstravanza this past month.  Whether you joined us for breakfast in Denver and tried one of the 24 fantastic egg dishes on our menu, or you voted in our weekly Facebook Egg-offs, we hope you enjoyed celebrating the incredible egg as much as we did!

Have an eggscellent spring, Denver!


Eggstravaganza

Spring Eggstravaganza!

2014 Eggstravaganza FB cover_Final

Join us this month as we celebrate the incredible EGG with our Spring Eggstravaganza!   With the arrival of spring and Easter on the way, April is the perfect month to celebrate our favorite breakfast staple.  Did you know that the Original Pancake House menu offers over 20 different egg dishes?

This month, visit our Facebook page to vote on our weekly Egg-off!  Tell us which featured egg dish is the most eggcellent and you’ll be entered to win a $25 Original Pancake House gift card!  We’ll choose one lucky winner each week during the month of April.  Simply vote via the comments section on our weekly Facebook Egg-off post, and you’ll be entered to win.  If you haven’t visited our Facebook page yet, click here to be our friend!

What else makes eggs so incredible? Follow us on Twitter @OPHDenver this month for fun egg trivia and OPH Egg Favorites! We’ll share fun facts and recipes each day during the month.

And of course, the best way to celebrate our Spring Eggstravaganza is to come on in to Original Pancake House and try a few of our egg favorites.  Bring your whole family for the best breakfast in Denver; we look forward to seeing you soon!


Cinnamon Almond French Toast

The Delicious History of French Toast

At the Original Pancake House, one of our favorite brunch menu items is French toast with a rich French toast history.  In fact, we love it so much, we offer four different types on our breakfast menu including Sourdough French Toast, Seasonal Berry French Toast, Cinnamon Almond French Toast, and the Denver breakfast favorite, Banana Praline French Toast.

French Toast History: Exploring The Fascinating History Of French Toast

 

With French toast on our minds, we were wondering, where did this delightful dish originate?  We were intrigued to find that, though the name implies a French origin, the first mention of this meal appears in Roman times.  In a cookbook attributed to Apicius, from the 4th or 5th century, a recipe simply called “aliter dulcia," or “another sweet dish,” describes soaking.

Bread in a milk and egg mixture, frying in oil, and then serving with honey.   French toast next appears in medieval cookbooks throughout Europe.  In France, it was called “pain perdu” or “lost bread,” which probably referred to the fact the cooks used stale or old bread in this dish with a fascinating French toast history.  German, English, and Scandinavian cookbooks refer to the dish as “poor knights” bread, which is also a nod to the use of old bread.

The first references to this ancient dish as “French toast” appear in the late 18th century in North America.  In New Orleans, the dish maintained its original French name of “pain perdu.” However, in English speaking areas of the North American colonies, the dish became known as French toast as it was popularized by French immigrants.

So, the next time you are out for breakfast in Denver, share the ancient history of French toast with your fellow diners.  It is a fascinating story!