Buttermilk Pancakes from Primland Resort

A few weeks ago, Jon and I took a short jaunt to the mountains for some much needed Us time. Out adventure led us through the backroads of Route 8, through Floyd, Virginia, to the Blue Ridge Parkway past Chateau Morrisette and Mabry Mill. Several scenic views later, we pulled on to the gated property of Primland Resort, located about 30 minutes from both Stuart, Virginia and Mount Airy, North Carolina. It is, without a doubt, the area’s most hidden and graceful best kept secret.

Buried within it’s own 12,000 acres is the Main Lodge, a gorgeous stone and timber structure flanked on one end by a large Observation Silo. Balconies and dormers add charm and character to an already impressive structure. Each and every window offers a dramatic view of the countryside or golf course, of teepees and mountains, exquisite greens and tee boxes.

Upon entering the Lodge, we were faced with a rustic contemporary decor, and a humble reception desk. The receptionist made us feel right at home, and graciously escorted us to our upstairs room, a Blue Ridge Suite. No detail was overlooked in the planning of this very modern resort – including the keyless entry to each room. Just holding your key up to the door caused it to open – a wonderful thing when your hands are full! Our room was immaculate as well…a giant living and dining area, stylishly furnished in appropriate leather sofas and chairs. A Keurig Coffee Maker was a great touch, as were the FREE sodas, juices, and other beverages supplied in the minibar. Beyond our living area was the amazing bedroom. Frette sheets, feather beds and duvets, another flat panel television helped make this the most comfortable hotel room I’ve ever stayed in. The bathroom? Oh my. Enormous 2 person jetted tub, walk in shower with multiple sprayers, L’Occitane on the vanity – pure heaven.

After settling in we walked around a bit, snooping. I lost Jon in the Theater Room, where he curled up in a huge leather chair to watch the Redskins play on a gigantic screen. While he relaxed, I toured the Library, located in the Observation Silo, just below the actual Observatory and it’s telescope, and just above the two storied Pinnacle Suite. The VIEWS! Simply amazing. I also made my way down to the elegant restaurant, where I met up with the Executive Chef, Andrea Griffith, as she took a break in the kitchen before dinner.

It was here that she shared her enthusiasm for cooking and for Primland. Fairly young, Andrea has been at Primland since her graduation from culinary school in 2000, save for a year and a half hiatus. I imagine she’s on break again right now – she was nearly 9 months pregnant when we met! Andrea was very eager to share a recipe with me, so that I could pass it on to you all. I wanted something she was proud of, and, she chose this surprisingly simple Buttermilk Pancake Recipe. She promised it got rave reviews from the guests of Primland, but at first glance, I couldn’t for the life of me figure out why. There is nothing unusual about it. No secret ingredient, no fussy wait time, no special tools involved. Just a straightforward pancake recipe where the devil is in the details – it’s the amount of each ingredient that sets this recipe apart from others that I have tried. And she was right – they are absolutely delicious.

Primland’s Buttermilk Pancakes

makes 6-8 medium to large pancakes

Courtesy of Andrea Griffith, Executive Chef, Primland

• 2 cups All Purpose Flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 1/2 teaspoons Baking Powder
• 1 1/2 cups Buttermilk
• 2 Tablespoons Melted Butter
• 1 egg

Sift dry ingredients, then add wet. Stir until well combined. Ladle batter onto griddle or skillet, flipping after first side is done. Each pancake takes roughly 3-4 minutes per side.

If you are anywhere in the West Virginia, Virginia, DC or North Carolina area and you are looking for a wonderful weekend getaway, a championship golf course, an AMAZING spa experience or just plain good food, please take a look at Primland. I can’t wait to return and spend a little more time there…2 days just wasn’t enough for me!