I've tried different pancake mixes and nothing changes so I decided to do some research because someday I want my future children to say their mother makes the best pancakes, which leades us to #26 on my list—making perfect pancakes.
I did some web research and came across a rumored IHOP recipe for these sweet and fluffy cakes o' mine. From what I can read on-line the key to the pancakes is buttermilk. I also learned that you should never press down on your pancakes while they are cooking because it will flatten and de-fluff them. I know that sounds like something simple that I should know, but I guess it never crossed my mind. So here is the recipe I found...
Nonstick Spray
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 egg
1 1/4 cups buttermilk
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 heaping teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 cup cooking oil
pinch of salt
1. Preheat a skillet over medium heat. Use a pan with a non-stick surface or apply a little nonstick spray.
2. In a blender or with a mixer, combine all of the remaining ingredients until smooth.
3. Pour the batter by spoonfuls into the hot pan, forming 5-inch circles.
4. When the edges appear to harden, flip the pancakes. They should be golden brown.
5. Cook pancakes on the other side for same amount of time, until golden brown. Makes 8 to 10 pancakes.
Well the results were mixed. Let's start with the positive:
1. They were not rock solid
2. They were not flat
3. They tasted like pancakes
However, they were not perfect, at least not by my standards. They were a little too done on the outside for my taste and too thick in the middle. I was looking for fluffy and light and instead got meatier pancakes. I think one of the major issues is that we were using a regular old frying pan and not a good skillet for pancakes. My fiance appropriately loved them and produced lots of praise and I honestly do think he liked them, although that may have had more to do with the bacon and sausage he made to accompany them. His major suggestion was that we buy these pancake rings so that we can make them in perfect circles. He looked them up on-line and they do see kind of cool. If you are interested I linked to some here.
http://www.amazon.com/Nonstick-4-Piece-Egg-Pancake-Ring/dp/B00005EBGU
Anyway, enjoy the photos of my experiment below.
I did attempt a second round of the pancakes and took some facebook suggestions and incorporated cinnamon in a few and chocolate chips in others. I, also, got a tip from my cousin, Patty, to check out the Bisquick box for some delicious add-ons and tried out a teaspoon of vanilla. While the taste was great on my second try, the pancakes literally fell apart in my pan. Never fear though... I will keep working on this one. Consider #26 still in progress...
