The first thing I do when I get a new cookbook is to read it like a book. I tag the recipes I want to try so I can come back later and easily find them. Too many times I have purchased a cookbook and only tagged a few recipes in it.

"Back of the Box Cooking" is different. I tagged so many pages, I realized I should have just stopped so I could make every recipe in the book.

You see the recipes all the time - on the backs of boxes, on the sides of can. I often see them, and then forget and throw the container away before I make a copy or tear the recipe out. And now, with BACK of the Box Cooking, I no longer have to worry about remembering to keep the recipes.

Broken down into normal cookbook categories, I went straight for the Kids' Favorites for the first recipe to try. And seriously, I had a hard time deciding what to try. Most of the section contained cookies or some sort of dessert, as well as some holiday related items (like Candy Cane Cookies). But I went for the breakfast item, Sleepy Bear Pancakes. Straight from the Teddy Grahams box of graham snacks by Kraft Foods, this recipes takes prepared pancake batter and mixes it up a bit. Easy enough for a school morning if you are using already made batter, or you can use your stand-by homemade batter and make a special breakfast.

Sleepy Bear Pancakes

Ingredients:
3 cups prepared pancake batter (I used Bisquick)
60 Teddy Grahams Graham Snacks, any flavor (I used the chocolate ones)
3 cups diced fresh fruit (I used a mix of strawberries and blueberries)
Confectioner's sugar
Pancake syrup or strawberry preserves

Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 10 minutes
Yield: 12 servings

Directions:
Spoon prepared pancake batter by 1/4 cupfuls onto a lightly greased griddle or large skillet over medium heat. Lightly press 5 bears into surface of each pancake. Cook 1 to 2 minutes; turn and cook until golden brown. Repeat using remaining batter and graham snacks. Top each pancake with 1/4 cup fruit and sprinkle with confectioner's sugar. Add syrup or preserves.

Amy writes occasionally about food for TriangleMom2Mom. Read more about Amy on her blog A Family Story.

Looking for more recipes? Go to www.trianglemom2mom.com/eat and check back here every Wednesday.