American pancakes

Pancakes or American pancakes – such a simple delight, yet so satisfying! These fluffy pancakes are perfect for a family breakfast, a sweet snack throughout the day, or even a savory dessert. When you think of pancakes, your imagination fills with flavors, textures, and colors. I will share my recipe for American pancakes, accompanied by tips and tricks that will help you achieve a perfect result every time.

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Rest time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 15 minutes
Number of servings: 6-8 pancakes

Ingredients

- 2 cups of flour
- 1 cup of sparkling water
- 1 cup of milk
- 3 eggs
- 3 tablespoons of sugar
- 4-5 tablespoons of oil (preferably sunflower or coconut oil)
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar
- 1 essence of rum (optional, but recommended for an extra flavor)

Short history

It is said that pancakes have been made since ancient times, but they truly became famous in America, where they turned into a tradition among families. These fluffy pancakes are often served with maple syrup, but can be customized in countless ways, making them perfect for any taste.

Preparing the batter

1. Beat the eggs: Start by cracking the 3 eggs into a large bowl. Use a whisk or mixer to beat them well until frothy. This will help create a fluffy texture for your pancakes.

2. Add the dry ingredients: In the same bowl, add the 2 cups of flour, 3 tablespoons of sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda. Mix well until the dry ingredients are well combined with the eggs.

3. Incorporate the liquids: Gradually add 1 cup of sparkling water and 1 cup of milk. Stir continuously to avoid lumps. Your goal is to achieve a thick batter, similar to sour cream. If it’s too thick, you can add a little more sparkling water or milk.

4. Rest the batter: Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let the batter rest for 30 minutes. This step is essential as it allows the flour to absorb the liquids, resulting in fluffier pancakes.

5. Add flavors: After the resting period, add 1 packet of vanilla sugar and the rum essence. Gently mix to incorporate them into the batter.

Baking the pancakes

6. Heat the pan: Use a non-stick skillet and heat it over medium heat. You can add a little oil to the pan to prevent the pancakes from sticking, but if your pan is truly non-stick, it's not strictly necessary.

7. Pour the batter: Using a ladle, pour a portion of the batter into the center of the pan. Allow it to spread out on its own, forming a circle.

8. Baking: Cook the pancake on one side for about 2-3 minutes, or until you see small bubbles forming on the surface. That’s a sign it’s time to flip the pancake. Use a spatula to carefully flip it and cook the other side for another 1-2 minutes until golden.

9. Repeat the process: Continue pouring and baking the batter until you exhaust the entire mixture. Make sure to adjust the temperature as needed so the pancakes don’t burn.

Serving

10. Taste the delight: Serve the pancakes warm, with your favorite toppings. You can opt for maple syrup, condensed milk, various jams, honey, or even fresh fruits. Another delicious idea would be to serve them with whipped cream and some slices of banana or strawberries.

Useful tips

- Vary the ingredients: You can add chocolate chips, blueberries, or nuts to the batter for a different taste and texture.
- Keep the pancakes warm: If you make a larger batch, keep the pancakes warm in the oven at 100 degrees Celsius, covered with aluminum foil.
- Freezing: Leftover pancakes can be frozen. Place them in a freezer bag, separating each pancake with plastic wrap to prevent sticking. When you want to serve them, just thaw and reheat in a pan or oven.

Nutritional benefits

These pancakes are a good source of carbohydrates, providing energy for an active day. The eggs bring quality protein, and the addition of milk contributes to calcium intake. If you want to make them healthier, you can replace part of the flour with whole wheat flour or add chia or flax seeds.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I replace the milk with another type of liquid?
Yes, you can use almond milk, soy milk, or any other type of plant-based milk.

2. Why should I use sparkling water?
Sparkling water adds a fluffy texture due to the bubbles of carbon dioxide, which help the batter rise.

3. How can I adapt the recipe for special diets?
You can use gluten-free flour, plant-based milk, and natural sweeteners to make them friendly for various diets.

Now that you have all the necessary information, all that’s left is to embark on the cooking adventure! I hope each pancake is a little success, and every bite is filled with joy and satisfaction. Enjoy your meal!