Making Pancakes from Scratch

From time to time usually on the weekends, I enjoy making a big batch of pancakes for the family and friends who like to drop by when I start to cook. I think they must have the house bugged. As soon as I announce pancakes, I get phone calls from friends. They all ask the same thing, "I'm hungry for pancakes." I respond the same way, "So am I and am cooking up some pancakes. Wanna come over?"

Well, making pancakes isn't hard at all. You just have to start out with a good mix and then you can add different things to it. Depending on my mood and what fruits I have available, the additional ingredients could range from chocolate chips to strawberries. Sometimes, I make a fruit compote with apples and raisins. Just be creative. But, start with the following recipe for the basic batter.

Ingredients
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
3 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon white sugar
1 1/4 cups milk
1 egg
3 tablespoons butter, melted

Directions
In a large bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, salt and sugar. Make a well in the center and pour in the milk, egg and melted butter; mix until smooth.

Heat a lightly oiled griddle or frying pan over medium high heat. Pour or scoop the batter onto the griddle, using approximately 1/4 cup for each pancake. Brown on both sides and serve hot.

You can add the additional ingredients (chocolate chips, etc) to the mix or just sprinkle over the batter when you pour it on the griddle. The heat is the key. Medium high heat is highly recommended. When you see bubbles form in the batter, you are ready to flip. This is a good tip. You don't want pancake dropping all over the griddle.

I'm off to breakfast.