My Valentine’s Day Tradition: Heart-Shaped Panackes

Like an idiot, years ago I started a Valentine’s Day tradition of making a huge heart day breakfast for the kids, complete with champagne glasses, red berries, candy (don’t judge me), gifts and heart-shaped pancakes. (Check out our pumpkin and gluten-free pancake recipes.) If you are a newish mom reading this, just remember, kids LOVE tradition so be careful of the ones you start. Stick with cereal and strawberry milk. It is too late for me, but you can still save yourself.

This year, because my high schooler, who yes, still looks forward to a stuffed animal, leaves so early, we celebrated on Sunday.

I used to use a cookie cutter for the pancakes, and inevitably suffered 2nd degree burns in an effort to do my pathetic impression of Martha Stewart. Then, I finally bought a pancake batter dispenser, and my whole world changed! Or at least I can now make shaped pancakes injury free. It works great for numbers on birthdays, or letters just for fun. Pinterest worthy parenting is easier than you think.