Although something similar to pancakes have existed since Ancient Rome, the pancakes we identify with today were created in Medieval Europe. Throughout history pancakes have been popular in most cultures and with all classes whether rich or poor. Since they require simple equipment to prepare, they were accessible and easy to make, requiring only a skillet or grill over burning wood or coals. Their ease of preparation and the fact that the batter can be made ahead, made them fast and convenient for people in a hurry.
When making the batter, be careful not to over-mix as this can lead to tougher pancakes. Don't worry about any little lumps in the batter; they'll be just fine. When choosing the cooking surface, use an electric griddle if possible, preferably non-stick. Electric griddles will ensure a uniform temperature across the entire cooking surface so the pancakes will come out evenly cooked. If you don't have an electric griddle, a non-stick pan will suffice. Whichever surface you use, lightly spray it with olive or canola oil.
When cooking, flip the pancakes after bubbles appear on the surface and cook on the reverse side.
Since only a few pancakes can be made at a time, put them on a platter, cover with foil, and place in a low oven at 200 degrees. They can be kept warm for about 20 minutes without negatively affecting them. In addition, you may brush them lightly with some melted butter to keep them soft a prevent drying out.
Traditional Pancake Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 3 ½ tsp. baking powder
- 1 tsp. salt
- 1 Tbsp. white sugar
- 1 ¼ cups milk
- 1 egg
- 3 Tbsp. butter, melted
Directions
- Sift together the flour, baking powder, salt and sugar in a bowl. Form a well in the middle of the flour and add the milk, 1 egg and the melted butter; mix well until thoroughly combined and smooth.
- Heat an electric griddle or frying pan over medium high heat, lightly oiled. Ladle the batter onto the hot griddle or frying pan. Each pancake should use about ¼ cup of batter.
- When bubbles form on the top and it no longer looks “wet,” turn over, Browning on both sides.
- Keep warm in low oven if necessary, covered in foil.
- Serve hot.
Quick Pancake Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups milk
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract
- 1 tsp. vegetable oil
- ¾ cup white sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ Tbsp. baking powder
Directions
- In a bowl, put milk, sugar, eggs, oil and vanilla and mix well.
- Add flour, sugar, and baking powder and mix until smooth. Do not over-mix.
- Over medium high heat, ladle or scoop pancake batter onto a lightly oiled griddle or frying pan, using about ¼ cup of batter for each pancake.
- When surface is bubbly, flip pancake over and brown on reverse side.
- Keep pancakes warm in a 200 degree oven, covered in foil.
- Serve pancakes hot.
Christopher T. Reilly - Hello. I have been a professional writer for 25 years with experience that encompasses articles, essays, websites, Internet content, stage ...
Join the Conversation