Snowman Pancakes

For the Pancake Batter:

1. In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
2. Make a well in the center and mix in the egg, buttermilk, butter, and optionally vanilla extract to form a smooth, thick batter.
3. If too thick to drop into a skillet, add a little more buttermilk. If too thin, add a little more flour.

To Assemble the Pancakes:

1. Place a large pan over medium heat. Fold each strip of bacon down in the center to form a perpendicular angle for the scarf.
2. Fry on each side until crisp. Repeat with remaining strips and place on a towel-lined plate.
3. Place another large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Grease lightly with oil.
4. There are two ways to make the snowman shape with the pancake batter. Either pipe the whole snowman or make two separate pancakes, an oval for the body and a slightly smaller circle for the head.
5. To make the whole snowman at once, use a measuring cup and spoon to pour the pancake batter in the heated skillet and spread into the snowman body and head shape. You can also transfer the batter to a piping bag with the corner snipped off and squeeze out the outline of the snow man, then quickly fill in the center.
6. To make two separate pancakes for the snowman, use a 1/3 cup (80 milliliter) measuring cup to pour the pancake batter into an oval shape in the pan. Cook until lightly golden on the bottom and bubbles for on the top. Flip and cook until the other side is golden. Heat may need to be adjusted between medium and medium-low.
7. For the head, use a 1/4 cup (60 milliliter) measuring cup to pour the pancake batter into a circle in the pan. Cook until lightly golden on the bottom and bubbles for on the top. Flip and cook until the other side is golden.
8. Remove to a plate and repeat with remaining batter.
9. Allow the pancakes to cool slightly before decorating.
10. Arrange the pancakes, either the whole snowman shape or the oval body and circle head, on the plate.
11. Place each cooked bacon piece between the head and body for the "scarf."
12. Sprinkle mini marshmallows across the bottom of the plate to make the "snow."
13. Arrange two chocolate chips on each face for the eyes.
14. Arrange seven mini chocolate chips on each face for the mouth.
15. Cut a nose out of the slice of cheddar cheese and place between the eyes and mouth.
16. Break a pretzel stick in half and place on each side for the arms or use more mini chocolate chips to make stick shapes on each side.
17. Arrange 3 blueberries down the middle for buttons.
18. Serve immediately.