This article is written by a student writer from the Spoon University at U Mich chapter.

Valentine’s Day is all about showing you care: chocolate, flowers, stuffed animals and a level of PDA beyond your wildest nightmares. So with everyone else embracing (or hating on) the holiday, why not participate in the festivities from the moment the rooster crows? Whip up a batch of red velvet pancakes for the morning of the 14^th, and show your significant other or yourself (cue Beyoncé’s “Single Ladies”) just how much they are loved. Because who doesn’t love pancakes, red velvet, or breakfast in bed?

I’ll be waiting for my tray to be delivered to me. Extra syrup, please.

Advanced Course

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients:
2 cups all-purpose flour
3 tablespoons cocoa powder
2 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
½ cup granulated sugar
2 cups milk
2 tablespoons white vinegar
2 large eggs
1 ½ tablespoons red food coloring
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/3 cup salted butter, melted
metal heart-shaped cookie cutter

Photo by Abigail Wilkins

Directions:

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar.

Photo by Abigail Wilkins

2. In a large bowl, combine milk and vinegar. Set aside for two minutes.

Photo by Abigail Wilkins

3. Add eggs, food coloring, vanilla, and melted butter to milk and vinegar mixture. Whisk until well combined.

Photo by Abigail Wilkins

4. Slowly incorporate wet mixture into dry mixture, mixing constantly.

Photo by Abigail Wilkins

5. Grease an electric non-stick griddle (or frying pan) with cooking spray and set to medium heat.
6. Coat inside of cookie cutter with cooking spray.
7. Set cookie cutter on heated surface and pour ¼ to ½ inch of batter into mold.