Since the oak chaparral covers thousands of square miles of the Central Coast, it’s no wonder that the Chumash used acorns as part of their diet. Try making this authentic Chumash dish.
Acorn Pancakes
Ingredients
2/3 cup acorn flour
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp. baking powder
¼ tsp. salt
¾ cup milk
1 egg, beaten
2 tbls. Vegetable oil
2 tbls. Honey or maple syrup
1 tbls. syrup (for topping)
What to do
Mix acorn flower, all-purpose flour, baking powder and salt in medium bowl Add milk, egg, 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, and honey to mixture. Stir until thoroughly moistened. Pour 1 tablespoon vegetable oil into large frying pan. Heat over medium heat. Pour batter into the frying pan in 1/3-cup amounts. Cook until bubbles start to rise to surface. Then flip cakes and cook for one minute more. Repeat with remaining batter. Top with honey or maple syrup and serve. Makes about 6 pancakes
The Discovery Museum will feature a presentation by the Samala Cultural Presenters, who will share Chumash history, language, and culture, on Feb. 9, free with paid admission and begins at 5:30 p.m.
Kelly White O’Neill is director at the Santa Maria Valley Discovery Museum. Discovery Corner is a weekly column in the Sun, highlighting events, science activities, and more for the Santa Maria Valley Discovery Museum at 705 S. McClelland in Santa Maria. Send comments to discoverycorner@santamariasun.com.
This article appears in Feb 9-16, 2012.
