Lazy Sundays and Brunches

You can't teach people to be lazy, they either have it or they don't.

Dagwood Bumstead

Sunday is usually the day I'm lazy. It's allows me to prepare a luxurious brunch. My dog and roommate have become big fans of this event. My pantry is full of possibilities for making it. The food section of the SF Chronicle is often an inspiration for these brunches. Today they didn't let me down. Here's what I made:

Meyer Lemon and Ricotta Puffed Pancakes with Macerated Strawberries

Serves 6 to 8

This light pancake is perfect for a spring brunch, served with the strawberries or other fresh fruit. It will collapse if it sits too long, so it's best presented straight from the oven. It's OK to use regular lemons, but Meyers will give a slightly sweeter flavor.

The macerated strawberries:

1 pint strawberries, hulled and sliced

2 tablespoons sugar, or to taste--

Squeeze of Meyer lemon juice, to taste

The pancake:

1 cup whole milk

4 eggs

1/3 cup sugar, + more for sprinkling on top

1 teaspoon vanilla

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

3/4 cup all-purpose flour

2 tablespoons grated Meyer lemon zest (preferably on a microplane)

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

1/2 cup ricotta cheese1 teaspoon sugar

2 tablespoons heavy cream

Instructions: Preheat the oven to 400°

To macerate the strawberries, sprinkle the sugar and lemon juice, if using, over the fruit in a bowl and toss to coat. Depending on the sweetness of the strawberries, you'll need to adjust the amount of sugar and lemon. Set aside while you make the pancake.

Blend the milk, eggs, 1/3 cup sugar, vanilla, salt, flour and lemon zest in a blender until smooth, taking care not to overmix. Melt the butter in a 10-inch cast-iron or other ovenproof skillet over low heat on the stove, coating the sides of the pan as well as the bottom. Remove from heat and pour the batter into the skillet.Whisk the ricotta cheese with the sugar and heavy cream in a small bowl; drop by spoonfuls into the pancake batter, spacing it evenly throughout. Sprinkle a little granulated sugar on top.Place pan into the oven. Cook until the pancake is set and the top is puffed and golden, about 25 minutes.Cut into wedges, and serve immediately topped with the macerated strawberries and collected juices.

This was easy to make. After brunch Bella and Brian had their usual wrestle session, then collapsed to relax. I've just been catching up on my reading pile.

I found another Canadian flamenco guitarist whose music pairs well with a lazy Sunday. Hope

yours has been as good.

Johannes Linstead, "Cien Fuegos":