Food is a powerful tool for bringing people together. People who have just moved to into a new neighborhood, started their first semester in college, or simply want to make a few new friends can use it to achieve their goal. One of the best ways to do it is to bake some fresh food and hold a pancake party, where everyone has a chance to meet new people and start new relationships. There are just a few things that the host needs to keep in mind to make sure it goes well.
Use Alternative Flour
There are a lot of different types of flour out there, and it can be wise to experiment with a variety of them. Many people choose to avoid gluten for health reasons, so it can be wise to opt for flour that doesn't include gluten in order to accommodate them. Using different blends of flours can also adjust the taste of the baked goods and provide a topic of discussion to help break the ice. Some of them even have unique nutritional benefits!
The easiest way to start with alternative flour is to use a packaged blend, which will usually come with a set of recipes that work with it. Alternatively, buckwheat flour gluten free pancakes are fairly easy to make, while rice and potato flour pancakes are also popular choices. For most people, the easiest option will be to check the selection of flours at their local stores, and then find recipes that can put those flours to good use. Keep in mind, flour is completely optional. Some pancake recipes require no flour at all, and they still taste great.
Customize With Toppings
People like to have options, but it takes a lot of time and kitchen space to produce each one of them. The solution to that problem is to bake a single, versatile dish, such as pancakes, and then provide a variety of toppings to go on top of them. That will ensure that every guest can find something that they like. It also gives people another basic topic to talk about, which can help to diffuse awkwardness among strangers.
Jam is one of the best toppings for this sort of event, both because it is easy to make and because it tends to be popular with most people. Three or four choices will be fine for most events. Whipped cream can also be a good choice for people who want something other than jam, because it can be used on its own or as an additional topping to go with the fruit. It is also quick and easy to make, so offering it does not make the preparation any harder.
Avoid Common Allergens
Nothing will ruin a party quite like an allergic reaction. Even having to inform a guest that they are allergic to one of the options can bring down the mood. That is why it is best to make a point of avoiding the most common food allergies when possible.
Eggs, milk, and wheat are the ones that are most likely to cause problems, so it can be wise to use substitutes. Using alternative flours will prevent problems with wheat allergies, but the eggs and milk can be more challenging. Many of the most common substitutes for milk, such as almond or soy milk, are common allergens in their own right. Rice and coconut milk are usually the safest alternatives. Eggs can be replaced with special egg substitutes, silky tofu, or even a combination of mashed banana and baking powder.
Experiment In Advance
It is impossible to know how a recipe will turn out without making it once or twice. It's always best to do that before the party, so that you can be confident that your pancakes or other baked goods will turn out well. If one recipe turns out poorly, treat it as a learning experience and try another one until you find a set of recipes that works well for you.
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