371546 Thu Feb 15 13:51:06 -0800 2007 37 31 Home Cooking 0 2296754 Total cooking novice looking to make pancakes for GF. Will buy any mix (or even the bottles of pre-mixed batter). But what about cooking them? What's the dancing water drop trick? Do I let the batter sit (in fridge? on counter?)? What are the tricks? (I assume the first pancake will be used to test the heat of the griddle...) Thu Feb 15 13:51:06 -0800 2007 14446 NAtiveNewYorker 1 2296766 I use the "fluffy pancakes" recipe from allrecipes.com. I substitute brown sugar for the white, use buttermilk instead of regular and add a couple of shakes of cinnamon and ground ginger. I let the batter sit in the fridge to the buttermilk and the baking powder have time to react (about an hour or so) and then I use a double griddle from Pampered Chef sprayed with a little pam. 1/4cup at a time, flip when the edges are dry and slather with real butter and legit maple. Thu Feb 15 13:54:28 -0800 2007 2296754 70200 chelleyd01 1 2296767 One trick is to not use a mix. The ingredients for a pancake are pretty simple. You probably either have the ingredients on hand or should have them in your pantry anyway. Also, don't overmix the batter: it will turn out tough. Mix it until it just comes together. There will be lumps...but that's OK. Thu Feb 15 13:54:58 -0800 2007 2296754 57415 rubinow 1 2296802 My mom can make good pancakes from a mix, my grandpa can make good pancakes from a mix, I cannot. However, the other night I made the most perfect pancakes, if I do say so myself, using this recipe: http://www.chowhound.com/topics/366122#2249506 You will not fail with this recipe! Also, I let my batter sit for about 15 minutes, purely by coincidence, but then I read in King Arthur Flour's magazine that you should let it sit for 15 minutes for a fluffier pancake! Thu Feb 15 14:04:21 -0800 2007 2296754 12813 Katie Nell 1 2296888 Pancakes are pretty easy to make from scratch. I learned using a Better Homes and Garden cookbook recipe, but now I pretty much throw it together, adding in whatever spices, nuts, fruits, chocolates, etc that I'm up for that day (ooh...try banana and dark chocolate pancakes...YUM). The basic recipe Katie Nell posted would also be a great starting point. As others have noted, barely mix the batter...needs to be lumpy. Also, let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes before making the pancakes. Do try to make buttermilk pancakes. And, if you are like me, then you have it right about the first pancake. Mine is always a bust. When I'm making pancakes for a crowd, I put my serving tray in the oven at 200 and put early batches in there while I cook up the rest of the batter. Thu Feb 15 14:23:52 -0800 2007 2296754 49541 debbiel 1 2296910 I happen to like Bisquick pancakes. Big thick and fluffy. That's what I grew up on and I don't enjoy any other mixes. I've had restaurant pancakes and I still think Bisquick hits the spot! I'm not much into putting stuff in the batter, however, chopped pecans make a great addition. I use a cast iron griddle at about 300 degrees. Thu Feb 15 14:30:02 -0800 2007 2296754 22801 bkhuna 1 2296946 I put my pan to medium heat or perhaps a little bit lower. I have found this to be the common rookie mistake: Even if I preheat my pan for a few minutes, it never seems to be fully heated and the first batch seems to cook too slowly. RESIST THE URGE TO INCREASE THE HEAT. If you do, by the third batch you'll be left scratching your head at why they are all getting burnt on the bottom before they are firm enough to flip. Thu Feb 15 14:39:28 -0800 2007 2296754 69452 jzerocsk 1 2296967 Some fresh blueberries never hurt a good pancake. If you want to impress GF make a heart shape out of anything and dust the top pancake with a powder sugar heart stencil. Guarenteed to win points. Just lightly though., let her add butter and maple. Thu Feb 15 14:44:42 -0800 2007 2296754 40385 othervoice 1 2297072 Put in slightly more milk than called for to get better intitial spread and even thickness, and a slightly lighter pancake. Thu Feb 15 15:10:15 -0800 2007 2296754 36661 Sam Fujisaka 1 2297280 Do not overmix - I couple of quick stirs with a big spoon will do it. Pancake batter relies on the baking soda/baking powder to react with the buttermilk or other acids in the other ingredients to make little bubbles and fluff up the mix. It does not need to be beaten like cake batter. Add enough liquid so the batter can pour easily from a ladle - the consistency should be thinner than yogurt, but thick enough that it doesn't pool and loose it's shape. If you have a friend in Canada, the Loblaws' supermarket house brand of President's Choice Complete pancake mix is pretty good, especially with real Canadian maple syrup. If you're going to take the trouble to cook your own pancakes, better have the real McCoy on hand, not the Log Cabin fake stuff. Thu Feb 15 16:09:24 -0800 2007 2296754 14011 vicki_vale 1 2297282 Thin = flapjack. Thick = panCAKE. That's my word and I'm stickin' with it :) Thu Feb 15 16:10:27 -0800 2007 2296754 22801 bkhuna 1 2297503 I remember someone once telling me when using pancake mix to use seltzer instead of water. I usually don't use the ready-made mixes but I was wondering if anyone has ever heard of this/tried it. Thu Feb 15 17:16:02 -0800 2007 2296754 12237 L_W 2 2298362 I read that tip in Cooks Illustrated -- they said they tested it and it worked, creating fluffier pancakes. Fri Feb 16 04:10:34 -0800 2007 2297503 12233 Pia 3 2300722 my dad puts seltzer in his waf! Fri Feb 16 15:39:38 -0800 2007 2298362 11719 jes 4 2318000 Strangely enough...this worked! Thu Feb 22 09:20:50 -0800 2007 2300722 14446 NAtiveNewYorker 1 2298097 You're right that the first pancake is normally the "sacrificial pancake" :) Put it on when the pan seems hot (one possible criterion is that when you throw a few drops of water on it, they should sizzle and evaporate-- but not *too* instantly!) By the time the first pancake is done and brown, the pan will really be ready. If you're using a good non-stick skillet, you need little or no grease. I used to wonder why my pancakes (cooked in butter) were always more unevenly browned than my mom's-- turns out, it's because with less grease, the pancake has a chance to be in even direct contact with the surface. For taller pancakes, you can also drop slightly smaller scoops onto the griddle than you'd otherwise be inclined to do, and then once you've put down all of them, go back around and add a little more. (That way, tthe very bottom part has had a chance to set slightly, you get less spread and more height) I've had good luck with one on epicurious.com called "buttermilk pancakes"-- they're a good plain base, that can be jazzed up with additions or toppings as you please. Thu Feb 15 21:43:47 -0800 2007 2296754 49653 another_adam 1 2298327 Here's a simple yet excellent recipe for pancakes: http://www.kqed.org/weblog/food/2007/01/marion-cunninghams-breakfast-book.jsp Fri Feb 16 02:43:33 -0800 2007 2296754 29916 Kiyah 2 2310722 Looks good. Thanks. Tue Feb 20 11:21:06 -0800 2007 2298327 14446 NAtiveNewYorker 1 2298613 I like using a lot of butter in the pan. Gives you nice crispy edges which I think make even a decent pancake incredible. I also like to make silver dollar pancakes which increases the crispy edge ratio for each pancake. Also, I grew up eating silver dollars at my local diner so I just got used to enjoying the size of them and eating each in one or two bites so they don't get soggy under the syrup. Regarding the batter, definitely don't overmix. Stir just enough to get a decent amount of the flour mixed in. If there are still some chunks of dry ingredients its okay. Then let the batter sit for 15 or so minutes. The batter will thicken slightly in this time and will get thicker the longer it sits, so make sure it is the right consistency before resting it. Fri Feb 16 06:58:21 -0800 2007 2296754 12821 ESNY 1 2301808 I add a teaspoon of Vanilla and a dollop of Ricotta to my pancake batter. People like / notice the difference but can't tell what it is. Best mix for 2 by far are the Hungry Jack pre-measured pouches. These are excellent! I'm currently using Alton Brown's recipe w/ pre-mixed dry ingredients in small plastic 1 cup containers. Sat Feb 17 04:48:32 -0800 2007 2296754 57335 sweet100s 1 2301961 A way to tell if they're done (if you don't already know!) is that the pancake batter will bubble in the middle, then you know it's time to flip them. The secret to really fluffy pancakes (I feel), is in the baking powder. That is, if you're making them from scratch. Obviously make sure it's fresh, and they'll turn out really fluffy. Sat Feb 17 07:06:23 -0800 2007 2296754 40421 pianochikke 1 2312256 Whip your egg whites until stiff and fold in just before making. Light & Fluffy! Tue Feb 20 16:56:40 -0800 2007 2296754 76226 Oh Robin 1 2312293 I swear by the joy of cooking recipe. Its fantastic, easy, always works great. For a super easy sunday morning you can always mix the dry ingredients in advance (DIY pancake mix) and then add the egg, milk, and melted butter when I'm ready to make the pancakes. I use a non-stick frying pan with just a little cooking spray. The real secret is to add a little cinnamon and vanilla in the batter. I also like to core an apple and slice in thin into rounds, put one on top of each pancake after you pour the batter in the pan. When you flip the pancakes the apple with carmelize and cook slightly. Yum! You can keep the pancakes warm in a low 200F oven until you've got them all done. Real maple syrup is of course essential. Its very hard to go wrong. Tue Feb 20 17:05:40 -0800 2007 2296754 13248 China 1 2313167 My cousin, The Engineer, peels and cores an apple, and then shreds it into the batter. Wed Feb 21 01:56:52 -0800 2007 2296754 13619 Sharuf 1 2313170 It may not be wise to share this here, but in a pinch, I recently made pancakes with Aunt Jemima mix and they were gross. I like Bisquick too (grew up on it) but also have tried the Trader Joes multi-grain mix and that's pretty good. Good luck! Wed Feb 21 02:25:57 -0800 2007 2296754 19900 jenhen2 2 2321478 Trouble with Bisquick and TJ's Multi-grain is that they contain buttermilk powder. I always use the real thing so I have to read labels to make sure that a mix is buttermilk-friendly. Fri Feb 23 06:27:11 -0800 2007 2313170 13619 Sharuf 1 2321528 There are a number of little things that can go wrong, that I would minimize potetnail issues and KISS (kiss the gf afterwards as well). 1 - First time use a mix. Do NOT use one of the "all in ones" where you just add water. You gotta have some skin in the game. 2 - Take the syrup out of the fridge or pantry and place the container in a bowl of warm water to warm up. 3 - Follow the directions and BLEND gently with a fork and do not overmix. Do NOT use a whisk. 4 - After you blend the mix, set the timer for 10 minutes and go make a Mimosa 5 - When the buzzer goes off turn it off and place a non-stick skillet on a medium heat. When you think it is at temperature, place a drop of water on the skillet. If it bounces it is too hot. If it sits there and starts to bubble and evaporate, you got it. 6 - Use a soup ladle or a 1/4 cup and place the pancakes onto the griddle. 7 - Leave it alone 8 - Take a sip of the Mimosa 9 - The pancake will begin to have some bubbles on them as they cook . THIS IS GOOD. When you see the edge has a little color and the top is pretty dry flip it carefully. Try not to have the pancake fall on another one. 10 - Cook the second side. Flip onto a plate 11 - A little powdered sugar, to the table with the syrup. 12 - Smile and enjoy 13 - NICE JOB!!! Fri Feb 23 06:47:36 -0800 2007 2296754 11290 jfood 2 2354691 Why use a mix for the 1st time? It's actually only really 2 steps. Make the flour mixture, and the milk mixture (with things added to both, depending on the recipe!), and then add the flour mixture almost all @ once! Not too hard, even for the 1st timer! :-) (Although I do like the Mimosa idea!) ;-) I also agree with the little bubbles on them as they cook. However, I think that most people could make pancakes from scratch if they tried! :-) Mon Mar 05 13:00:47 -0800 2007 2321528 40421 pianochikke 1 2321543 Boy jfood really covered it! I make the batter the night before. I find the ingred. settle up nicely. If I intend to add fresh fruit or other stir-ins, I do so just before I plan to start makin' pancakes. Consider adding a teaspoon of almond extract for a light, fragrance Grate some orange peel over prepared pancakes and serve with warmed maple syrup Use a frying skillet with low sides, flat is best Melted butter brushed on a heated pan between every three-four pancakes keeps the consistent browning going Have fun ! Fri Feb 23 06:57:54 -0800 2007 2296754 36312 HillJ 2 2321585 HJ, you got me inspired this morning with your Food Snob/Lover comment. If the OP really wants to impress, slice a couple of strawberries 3/4 the way through, fan carefully and place on the plate. Then for the piece de resistance, one beautiful rose in a simple vase on the table. Fri Feb 23 07:13:45 -0800 2007 2321543 11290 jfood 3 2322009 ah shucks jfood-there's enuf inspiration on these threads to last countless food -eatin life times! best, HillJ. Fri Feb 23 08:50:55 -0800 2007 2321585 36312 HillJ 1 2353086 Stonewall Kitchens pancake mix never fails, but add more vanilla extract Mon Mar 05 07:49:35 -0800 2007 2296754 73825 bettyb 2 2354707 Interesting! Why use vanilla extract? I have a slightly "older" Fannie Farmer recipe/cookbook, that doesn't call for any vanilla extract. What does that do to the pancakes? Just curious. I might just try that! :-) Mon Mar 05 13:04:01 -0800 2007 2353086 40421 pianochikke 3 2414882 I add either vanilla extract or powder (powder's better for this, but I don't always have it) it tends to cut any "doughy" flavor you might have, and it just enhances the flavor. I also put a little extract in the syrup, which again gives it a fuller, richer flavor. Try it and enjoy! Fri Mar 23 13:06:46 -0700 2007 2354707 73825 bettyb 1 2415413 If you can find it there is a great pancake mix called "Snoqualmi Falls Pancake Mix". It comes from the Pacific NW and is realy quite good as far a mixes go. I has lots of flavor and doesn't make the gumy pasty pancakes most mixes do. It also doubles for a nice waffle mix as well. After you get a little experience under your belt there is a book called the "Bread Bible" that has some wonderfull breakfast ideas (pancakes, scones, coffee cake, ect.). The buttermilk pancakes from the bread bible are really good. Cheers!! Fri Mar 23 15:16:16 -0700 2007 2296754 70179 JIRodriguez 1 2415488 Okay, I see a bunch or warnings here not to over-mix and just have to pipe in with a counter-warning -- still have shuddery memories of my dear well-intentioned dad's pancakes with clumps of raw flour and backing powder/soda in them and it was truly a dreadful experience biting into one of them. Have issues with pancakes to this day because of it. Just had to put that out there. When I do make pancakes for little bite-bite 2 which I actually do quite a bit, I use Whole Foods pancake mix out of laziness (some day will motivate to make mixture myself and keep in a tin) and add the suggested optional egg. Personally I don't worry about the water-drop thing. Just melt butter in pan at medium temp (too high and it will burn, too low and it can get butter-logged and do adjust temp depending on how first pancake cooks). When butter is sizzling, pour in 1/4 cup or less pancake mixture, wait until batter gets bubbly on top and flip over. Sometimes add blueberries, chocolate chips or bananas to uncooked top side while underside is cooking. Have noticed that when I make too much batter and leave in fridge, it is a little bubblier/fluffier that next day. BTW -- Making pancakes for the first time for the girlfriend too adorable. Good luck! Fri Mar 23 15:38:17 -0700 2007 2296754 78552 bite bite 1 2415492 Funny, I found Krusteez to be a good mix. Bisquick is OK. Frankly, the ingredients are so basic and easy to put together, from scratch doesn't take too much longer. that little bit of salt is important for flavor! As everyone said, definitey let it rest. I like to mix in canned pumpkin and cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, allspice and ginger. (or, heck, pumpkin pie mix). or perhaps some very mushy bananas. My sister in law drops chocolate chunks into my nephew's pancakes. Adding some rolled oats into the batter before setting can add nice texture. John o' Groats, on Pico in L.A. does a pancake with lemon curd and powdered sugar on top. My mother used to make very thin english/european pancakes for Pancake Day (Shrove Tuesday). We'd cover them in lemon juice, butter and sugar, roll them up and eat them that way. Every Pancake Day we'd have them for dinner. Yum! Oh, yes, and buy a dog so you have someone to give all the "first pancakes" to. That's some sort of law, I think :) Fri Mar 23 15:39:15 -0700 2007 2296754 11201 Diana 2 2415500 My dad does the same thing -- Easter pancakes -- yum! Fri Mar 23 15:40:35 -0700 2007 2415492 78552 bite bite