Very few music makes me stop whatever it is that I’m doing to give it my full attention. Little Talks by Of Monsters and Men had that effect on me and so did My Father’s Father by The Civil Wars. But neither even began to compare to the excitement I felt when I was introduced to Ho Hey by The Lumineers.

As I crept my way through their self-titled debut album it became difficult for me to pick a favorite song, let alone one for the blog. I was introduced to their music the day their album dropped and bought it immediately. BOUGHT it, as I advise all of you to do.  Denver rooted band, The Lumineers consist of two ex-New Jersey folk Wesley and Jeremiah, as well as a shorthaired cellist Neyla, who joined he band after responding to a Criagslist post. In an online interview and performance on Chase Jarvis, Neyla said that when she graduated, she got a short haircut and was looking for something to do, which led her to joining The Lumineers. I think that’s how most things begin- with a short hair cut and boredom.  When she said that I couldn’t help but to think about how I started this blog. I had just gotten rejected from a PR job after being strung along for three weeks. It was the end of the summer and I was discouraged and broke. I decided if publishing companies wouldn’t hire me, then I’d have to figure out my own way to make it in the business. So I started The Baker in the Rye, got a job at Starbucks and then had a panic attack, which naturally ended with me cutting 8 inches off my hair.

Shorthaired gals have got some grit. We don’t have time to do our hair when we’re busy making waves. The Lumineers are best compared to Bob Dylan, if he had a good voice. That’s right, I said it. Bob Dylan was known for his lyrics and style, not for his voice, which isn’t conventionally pretty. The Lumineers have a Dylan-esqu soul and folklore to their lyrics, championed with smoky mountain vocals. Their sound makes it hard not to become intrigued by them. Since their album dropped, I have wrapped myself with their music and fallen deep into the comfort of their lyrics.  These Orange Honey Oatmeal Pancakes were inspired by their cozy, home-style sound. It’s almost as if they are singing about you, to you- about someone you know, or knew, or someone you want to know more of. The Lumineers give off an all around comfortable vibe. And what is more comfortable than Pancakes?

I was also compelled to toss a few flowers onto the pancakes as inspired by their song Flowers in Your Hair. 

Happy pancake making and music listening!

Orange Honey Oatmeal Pancakes

(Makes 12-14 pancakes)

Ingredients for Pancakes:

1 Cup all purpose flour

1 Cup quick cooking oatmeal

1 Tablesoon white sugar

2 Tablespoons brown sugar

1/2 Teaspoon salt

3 Teaspoons baking powder

1 1/2 Cups buttermilk

2 eggs

3 Tablespoons honey

1 1/2 Teaspoons vanilla extract

4 Tablespoons vegetable oil

1 Tablespoon orange zest

3 tablespoons butter to grease the skillet

Ingredients for Whipped Topping:

1/2 Cup heavy cream

2 Tablespoons honey + extra for garnish

1/2 Teaspoon orange zest + extra for garnish

Directions:

1. In a medium sized bowl, mix flour, oatmeal, white sugar, brown sugar, salt, and baking powder.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, buttermilk, honey, vanilla extract, and vegetable oil. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined. Add in orange zest and mix lightly. Allow batter to rest for 15 minutes.
3. In a large skillet and using a 1/4 cup measuring cup, scoop batter onto a buttered skillet. The oatmeal will weight down the bubbles, which are an indicator to flip the pancake. To prevent the pancakes from burning, keep a close eye and flip with the edges of the pancakes are firmer and golden in color. You will need to flip, most likely after 2 minutes. Allow to cook an additional minute on the other side. Repeat until you have used all your batter.
4. For the whipped topping, whisk the heavy cream using an electric mixer. Once the cream  formed firm peaks, add in the honey and orange zest and whisk for an additional 10 seconds.  Dollop some cream onto you pancakes.