For the Lenten Season, Stacks of Bran-Apple Pancakes

Shrove Tuesday, celebrated 41 days before Easter, marks the last day of Mardi Gras activities. An old custom of using up all the fat in the house to make pancakes (since no meat was to be eaten during the Lenten season that followed) led to this day also being called Pancake Tuesday.

Whether or not you observe Lent, a stack of Bran-Apple Pancakes makes a satisfying breakfast, brunch or light supper. The country flavors of bran cereal, apples and cinnamon combine well with maple syrup and accompanying bacon or sausage.

BRAN-APPLE PANCAKES

2 cups buttermilk baking mix

1 3/4 cups milk

1/4 cup sugar

1 egg

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 cup whole bran cereal

1 cup finely chopped peeled apple

Beat together baking mix, milk, sugar, egg and cinnamon with wire whisk or hand beater until smooth. Stir in cereal and apple.

For each pancake, pour scant 1/4 cup batter onto hot griddle. Cook until pancakes are dry around edges. Turn and cook other sides until golden brown. Makes about 16 pancakes.

Note: Grease grill if necessary.