From the goodness of milk, to the richness and variety of cheese and yogurt; as part of a balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle, dairy products are naturally delicious, versatile and a source of many essential nutrients such as calcium and protein. We’ve teamed up with the National Dairy Council to provide you with a daily dairy fix! Here’s a delicious recipe for amazing buttermilk pancakes that the whole family will love: Apple and Cinnamon Buttermilk Pancakes Ingredients:

• 250g plain flour
• 1 tbsp. caster sugar
• 300ml buttermilk
• 1 egg
• 2 apples peeled and diced
• 1/3 tsp. cinnamon

Method:

1. Whisk all the ingredients together in a bowl to achieve a smooth slightly thick batter with pieces of apple.
2. In a frying pan heat a little oil.
3. Fry a spoonful of the batter at a time to resemble little blinis.
4. Turn over as per a mini pancake.
5. Remove from the pan and pat dry with a little kitchen paper.
6. For a treat serve drizzled with a little honey or maple syrup and a little spoon of fresh cream.

____________________________________________________________ National Dairy Week runs from the 12th – 18th May, 2014. Organised by The National Council in association with SuperValu, the week creates an opportunity to showcase the excellence of our pasture based dairy farming and produce – from farm to fridge; and also to highlight the quality, versatility and nutritious benefits of dairy within our lives, as part of a healthy, balanced diet. Thanks are also extended to The Irish Nutrition & Dietetic Institute (INDI), Agri Aware, Macra Na Feirme and Teagasc who are all developing initiatives to support the campaign.  The NDC is encouraging members of the farming and co-op community to get behind National Dairy Week at whatever level possible. Recipe by: Phelim Byrne, Phelim Byrne's Séasúir Catering and Events