From time to time we like to profile the members of our clan in The Jungle.
Silverbelle Mimi is a crusader for social justice. On any given day you might find her outside of city hall in Quincy, Massachusetts fighting against racism, for feminism, against huge pay increases for local politicians, or … in the words of Marlon Brando … whaddya got?
That’s, as usual, Mimi in the middle
She lives with husband, Silverback Sal, in a home that looks out onto normally placid Quincy Bay with the skyline of downtown Boston 8 miles in the distance. Because she champions so many liberal causes, you might want to stereotype her as fiery or angry, but nothing could be further from the truth.
Mimi is a life-long nurturer who studied at Marymount Manhattan College, Northeastern University, and Boston City Hospital School of Nursing. She’s a mother and grandmother who has contributed some mouth-watering recipes to this Digest. Here’s one:
Here’s a Family Favorite. long favored by our junior silverback son, Chris. As a matter of fact, he’s about to come by to make it for a Sunday treat! SB Mimi
German Apple Pancake
This is a pancake – just one- you bake, and it’s ready all at once for everyone, instead of a serving at a time. We adapted it long ago from The Vegetarian Epicure, a favorite cook book at the time.
To Make Pancake :
- 3 large eggs
- 3/4 cup of milk
- 3/4cup white flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 1/2 TBS unsalted (preferred)butter
Filling
- 1lb tart, fresh apples
- 1/4c melted butter
- 1/4 c sugar
- powdered cinnamon and grated nutmeg to taste
Topping (optional) – shredded cheddar, powdered sugar
Directions: preheat the oven – 450 degrees. Whisk together the eggs, milk, flour (sift it if you want a better pancake) and salt until very smooth. In a heavy 12 inch cast iron skillet, melt about 1 1/2 TBS butter. As soon as it is quite hot, pour in the batter and put the skillet into the oven, After 15 minutes lower the oven temperature to 350 degrees, and continue to bake for another 10 minutes. The pancake should be light brown and crisp, like a popover shell. During the first 10-15minutes of baking, the pancake may puff up in large bubbles. IF it does, pierce them thoroughly with a fork.
While the pancake is cooking prepare the filling. Peel and thinly slice a pound of apples. Saute them lightly in 1/4c butter and add sugar to taste, about 1/4 c. Season to taste with cinnamon and nutmeg. the apples should be just tender, not soft. You may slide the pancake out of the pan onto a platter, and pour in the apples, or as we do, just slice it in the pan. Substitute any yummy fruit in season for the apples.
Great Brunch for a winter’s morning for all those cozy Silverbacks and ‘Belles! Bon Appetit!
SB Mimi Balsamo
“Make each moment an occasion to live deeply, happily in peace.”
Thich Nhat Hanh
Always politically active, Silverbelle Mimi (pictured with neighbor and fellow Silverbelle Chris) did not prevail in the last election, but’s not about to silence her! A hearty Oo-oo to this Queen of The Jungle!