#VoiceTailgate: Mini Pancake Muffins + Bloody

How are you guys enjoying the #VoiceTailgate so far?!  The first live show was incredible, and the range of talent this season seems immense.  My five-year-old declared every performance his favorite, and I'm with him.  I can't pick a front runner!  But I can pick a favorite Season 6 coach... OF THE FEMALE SEX.  Bam!  I'm clever.  So, since tonight's #VoiceTailgate is centering around her, let's talk about Shakira...

What's not to love?  She's insanely talented, beautiful (girl crush!), extremely smart (Adam is correct when he says she speaks better English than Blake), and very, very sweet.  But I think my favorite thing about her is that she's a down-to-earth mom.  When we first met, she was pregnant, and my daughter Etta was teeny, tiny.  She was so curious about what first-time motherhood would be like, and from what I've seen around the set, she's mastering being a parent along with everything else in her life.  Milan is THE cutest, and we may or may not be arranging his marriage to Etta already.

Chubby ring finger...

So these easy-to-make pancake muffins are dedicated to Milan and his mom.  Bite-size and versatile (I added chocolate chips to mine but you could throw in blueberries, mashed bananas, nuts, etc).  Dipped in maple syrup, it makes a great appetizer for any time of day.  Especially if you're pairing it with Carson's famous Bloody Mary (see below).  In this case, the perfect after-dinner snack that your entire family will love.  They will be served at Etta and Milan's wedding in 30 years...      

     

Milan's Mini Pancake Muffins
(Makes 36 muffins)
Printable Recipe

2 cups pancake mix (I used Bisquick)
2 large eggs
1 cup milk
1/2 tsp vanilla
1 cup mini chocolate chips
Maple syrup, for dipping

Preheat the oven to 350.  In a large bowl, whisk together the pancake mix, eggs, milk and vanilla.  Stir in the mini chocolate chips.

Lightly grease a mini muffin tin.  Spoon batter into each tin, filling about 3/4 of the way full.  Bake for 12-15 minutes, until edges have just started to brown.  Let cool slightly, and then serve with maple syrup for dipping.

Since we're sort of on the breakfast thing... let's talk about Carson's Bloody Mary's.  They are just as much a part of the Voice backstage as Milan's toys or Blake and Miranda's pets or Adam's tiny shirts.  Carson's trailer is like a Costco for Bloody Mary ingredients, and people need only pop their head in and nod and he knows what to do.  Luckily, he loves doing it, and it's not unusual for him to make 20 or so before each show.  The best part is, they are good whether you add vodka or not (although he might disagree).  And I should know, because I'm very, very pregnant and I demand virgin ones often.

    

Carson's Bloody Mary
Printable Recipe

Ice
Vodka (optional)
Bloody Mary mix (we like Mr. & Mrs. T's original mix)
Worcestershire sauce
Prepared horseradish
Tabasco
Bread & butter pickle juice
Fresh lemon juice
Celery salt
Black pepper
Garnishes: green olives, pepperoncinis, pickles, celery stalk, beef jerky, sharp cheddar cheese

Fill a tall glass with LOTS of ice.  Add vodka if desired (Carson pours a generous amount, at least halfway full).  Fill the rest of the cup with the Bloody Mary mix.  Add 4-5 shakes of Worcestershire sauce, about 1/2 tablespoon of horseradish, a few shakes of tabasco, a splash of pickle juice and a good squeeze of fresh lemon juice.  Mix well, either with a cocktail shaker or by transferring back and forth in between two glasses.  Top with celery salt, black pepper and garnish with desired toppings.

As you can see... they are "famous."  Make your own tonight and post your photos on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram using hashtag #VoiceTailgate!