PANCAKES!!! For Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch, Dinner, Snack, Middle of the night…always a good time. One of the staples of the AMERICAN BREAKFAST SCENE the pancake is like a hug. Easy to make, quick to cook, what’s not to like? The addition of Italian Ricotta to these pancakes gives them a slightly lighter and international flavor. A bit of lemon is added and a syrup of Strawberries, Limoncello and Lemon Zest add color and flavor to your tall or short stack. You decide how many you want. First we will make the Syrup and have that ready for when you delicious cakes are hot. Oh, why am I talking about Strawberries in the dead of Winter? Florida knows best. It’s Strawberry season there and most National stores are carrying the sweet treats right now. I’m giving this whole meal a little ItalianAmerican mash up…so enjoy!!
STRAWBERRY LIMONCELLO SYRUP
1 PT. SLICED STRAWBERRIES
2 CUPS GRANULATED SUGAR (VANILLA SUGAR IF YOU HAVE IT)
2 TBS WATER
1/8 TSP FRESH LEMON JUICE
1 TBS LIMONCELLO
In a heavy bottomed sauce pan add the Water, Strawberries, Lemon juice, and the Sugar..Mix. Keep on Low heat and stir frequently. As this cooks the berries release their juices. Bring to a low boil once there’s liquid in the pan. Then reduce to a simmer and add the Limoncello. Simmer for 5 minutes. Done. You should have a pan of beautifully fragrant and red syrup and berries. Place to the back of the stove.
PANCAKES
2 JUMBO EGGS
3/4 CUP BUTTERMILK
1 CUP RICOTTA CHEESE, WHOLE MILK, DRAINED
1 TSP. LEMON ZEST
1 TBS MELTED BUTTER
2 TBS. VANILLA EXTRACT
1 CUP UNBLEACHED ALL PURPOSE FLOUR, SIFTED
1 TBS. GRANULATED SUGAR
1/2 TSP. BAKING SODA
1/2 TSP. KOSHER SALT
BUTTER FOR GREASING THE PAN BETWEEN COOKING
EUROPEAN BUTTER ( OR A GOOD AMERICAN BUTTER), BROUGHT TO ROOM TEMPERATURE
In a large bowl blend everything up to the flour still it’s all well mixed. Slowly add the flour, baking soda, sugar, salt to the bowl and gently mix the dry with the wet ingredients. Mix till smooth. Let this sit for 5 minutes only. Heat a non stick or regular skillet. Grease the surface with butter. Pour 2 pancakes into the pan leaving some space inbetween. Or make them as large or small as you want. The bigger the pancake the harder the “flip” so I like 2 medium small sized ones. MAKE SURE YOU ARE ON MEDIUM HEAT or they will burn before you are supposed to flip them. When there’s a bunch of bubbles on the surface, it’s time to flip! You’ll not have to cook them as long on the other side. As you stack them add a little of that room temperature butter to them. How many does it make? no idea since your size will determine that but this should work to feed at least 3 hungry eaters. Serve with extra butter and Pour the sauce over the pancakes. Fantastic. Happy Cooking!!!
A FOOD OBSESSION 