The Basic Pancakes
Recipe
For a hearty weekend breakfast or a quick weeknight supper, there is nothing more comforting
and satisfying than a stack of hot, fluffy pancakes dripping with butter and maple syrup.
This basic pancake recipe is
quick and easy to make - even the smallest of "chefs" will delight in helping to whip up a batch of these
delectable, airy hotcakes that will have everyone clamoring for more.
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Servings: About 6 (3 pancakes per
serving)
Ingredients:
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 2 cups low fat milk or buttermilk (you can make a substitute for buttermilk by adding 1
tbsps. white vinegar
to each 1 cup of milk)
- 4 tbsps. vegetable or canola oil
- 2 cups unbleached, all-purpose *flour
- 2 tbsps. sugar
- 4 tsp. baking powder
- 1 tsp.
salt
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Directions:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the eggs, milk, and vegetable oil.
Beat with a wire whisk until foamy. In another mixing bowl, measure the flour, sugar, baking
powder and salt, then mix thoroughly with a fork. Add the dry ingredients to the egg mixture
and beat with the whisk until all ingredients are moistened and the batter is just smooth - do
not overbeat!
Set the batter aside for a few minutes to allow the baking powder to work - the
batter will rise slightly in the bowl and form a few bubbles on the surface.
Heat a griddle or large, non-stick frying pan to medium-high. To determine whether the pan or
griddle is hot enough, drop a small amount of water onto the surface. If the water sizzles and
jumps, the pan is ready to go.
Pour batter in small amounts (about 1/4 cup) onto the griddle. Work in small batches - the
pancakes will spread out as they bake. When the surface of the
pancakes begins to bubble and the edges appear dry, flip the pancakes with a spatula. Cook for
another minute or so, until the edges are completely done and the pancakes are golden
brown.
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Transfer finished pancakes to a serving plate and keep warm. Serve in stacks with butter or
margarine and warm maple syrup. This recipe can be easily
doubled (or halved) as needed.
These pancakes are delicious as is, but if you are in a more adventurous mood, try adding a cup of
fresh blueberries, a handful of chocolate chips, or a diced banana or apple. As an alternative to
maple syrup, try a warm fruit compote as a topping, or sprinkle with sugar and cinnamon.
*Hint: To measure flour correctly, stir it up with a fork before you measure - this will aerate the
flour. Use a spoon or scoop to add flour to the measuring
cup - never scoop it up with the cup itself, as this will pack the flour,
resulting in a denser, heavier batter.
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