Red Velvet Anyone?

So I was watching TV the other night and there was a show on The Food Network (Drive-Ins, Diners and Dives maybe?) and I saw a rather interesting food item.  It combined two foods that I love but would have never thought of combining.  Red velvet cake and pancakes.  That's right, red velvet pancakes.  Now when I heard it on TV I immediately turned into Scooby Doo and went, "HUH?"  But then as I watched the preparation of this odd combination, I was fascinated.  So I then went off in search of the recipe for this delectable dish.  Well, I found it and I decided to share it with you.


Red Velvet Pancakes:

For the pancakes:
1/2 cup water
2 eggs
3 tbsp salted butter, melted
2 tbsp canola oil
2 cups red velvet cake mix
1 1/2 cups prepared pancake batter*

For the cream cheese frosting:
2 cups confectioners' sugar
2 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup butter, softened
1/2 tsp. lemon juice
1 tsp vanilla

Combine 1/2 cup water, eggs, butter and oil; beat with a whisk until liquid is well combined and foamy. Add (dry) red velvet mix and prepared pancake batter; mix with a whisk until combined...do not over beat (batter should be lumpy). Set batter aside for 20-30 minutes before cooking.

Drop about 2 oz. of batter on a hot, greased griddle. Cook until bubbly, a little dry around the edges, and lightly browned on the bottom; turn and brown the other side. Do not pat down pancakes or they will flatten.

Combine the ingredients for the frosting and serve with the pancakes.

*For the pancake batter, we suggest using a purchased pancake mix prepared according to package directions.