Banana Macadamia Nut Pancakes

"This song is meant to keep you from doing what you're supposed to.

Waking up too early, Maybe we can sleep in

I'll make you banana pancakes. Pretend like it's the weekend now"

Jack Johnson 

ALOHA from Maui! Since our move these past two weeks have been quite the adventure. My boyfriend and I found an adorable little home in Napili. Completely furnished our new home, not just with mattresses and dressers but silverware, pots and pans, dishes, towels, etc...the whole shebang had to be bought on the island because we came with only our clothes! We bought a new truck. We interviewed for and started our new jobs. And did I mention that most of these tasks required a trip to the "other side" of the island, which is an hour drive each way.

So we haven't exactly been living that slow paced island lifestyle you might expect.

BUT that's not to say we haven't been trying. We've been making it a priority to schedule in some lazy mornings where we can sit around in our pjs, enjoying each other's company, staring out at our pretty backyard with mango trees and tropical flowers, sipping Kona coffee, and eating Banana Macadamia Nut Pancakes.  I really think we should all use a little Jack Johnson philosophy in our lives, whether you're living in Maui or Manhattan, its important to find some quality R&R time with the ones you love....and whipping up a batch of these pancakes can only help get you in that island state of mind :)

And just in case you were curious...Here's a little peek at our cozy little beach bungalow.....

Now back to the best little Sunday morning breakfast you can dream of...Mix in finely chopped macadamia nuts to your favorite pancake recipe or store-bought brand....I'm going to admit a food blogger shocking confession just because I'm not in the least bit ashamed of it. I used Bisquick, GASP, yes plain-old-comes-in-a-box Bisquick. On my day off and when I'm working with a half stocked pantry from just moving in, I'm all about the shortcuts. And it still tasted so darn good so I recommend you do the same. This post is all about relaxation after all  ;) 

Add your macadamia nut pancake batter to a greased hot pan and press a couple thin banana slices into each pancake. I like my banana slices extra thin because I think it adds just the right amount of banana flavor without too much mushiness.

I also like to just add slices of banana to the pancake as they are cooking instead of adding mashed bananas to the batter because you get these adorable little polka dotted pancakes!!

And here's my Food Blogger Confession #2...I'm actually not that great at cooking pancakes and surprisingly its one of the few cooking talents my boyfriend possesses. He always makes them so perfectly golden and he even makes cute heart shaped ones just for me :) Isn't he the sweetest? Another reason why this is my favorite lazy breakfast-because he does half the work!!

When you got your stack of pancakes ready, top them with more chopped macadamia nuts, banana slices or heart banana slices if you're feeling lovey dovey like I was, and lots of syrup.

One bite of these pancakes bursting with island flavor and you will be transported here....

This weekend I urge you to find some time for a lazy breakfast with your loved ones AND the new love of your life....these pancakes!

Banana Macadamia Nut Pancakes

1 batch of your favorite pancake recipe or store-bought mix (preferably Bisquick)
1 banana, thinly sliced
2/3 cup finely chopped macadamia nuts
Syrup

Make pancake batter according to package directions. Mix in 1/3 cup of macadamia nuts into batter.

Heat a greased frying pan or griddle over medium heat. Pour 1/4 cupfuls of batter onto the pan and press about 4-5 thin slices of bananas into each pancake. Cook until bubbles appear on the surface, flip and cook until golden brown on the other side.

Serve pancakes topped with reserved 1/3 of chopped macadamia nuts, remaining banana slices, and syrup.