Pancakes (homemade style)

Delicious Pancakes - Classic Recipe with a Personal Twist

Who doesn't love pancakes? This versatile dessert, easy to prepare, reminds us of the pleasant moments spent with loved ones. Whether we enjoy them at breakfast, as a snack, or as dessert, pancakes are always an excellent choice. In this recipe, I will share my favorite method for making light, delicious, and flavorful pancakes.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Number of servings: 10 (20 pancakes)

Ingredients

- 500 ml milk (heated, but not boiling)
- 6 large eggs
- 120 g butter or margarine (melted)
- 250 g all-purpose flour
- 40 g sugar
- A splash of rum or brandy (for a refined taste)
- Fruit jam (preferably slightly sour, like raspberry or peach)
- Oil (for greasing the pan)
- For decoration: whipped cream and caramelized sugar

Preparation

1. Preparing the ingredients
Start by gathering all ingredients at room temperature. It is important that the milk is warm, but not hot, to avoid curdling the eggs when added. You can use whole milk for a richer texture or skim milk if you prefer a lighter option.

2. Melting the butter
Heat the milk in a saucepan over low heat. Add the cubed butter or margarine and let it melt. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.

3. Preparing the pancake batter
In a large bowl, whisk the eggs with the sugar using a whisk or mixer until the mixture becomes whitish and frothy. This step is essential for fluffy pancakes.

4. Mixing the dry ingredients
Gradually add the flour, constantly mixing to avoid lumps. Continue to mix until you achieve a smooth batter.

5. Incorporating the milk
Add the warm milk (in which the butter has melted) and the rum (or brandy, if preferred) to the egg and flour mixture. Mix everything with a whisk until you obtain a fine and fluid batter. Let it rest for 10 minutes to allow the flour to hydrate, making the pancakes fluffier.

6. Cooking the pancakes
Preheat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Lightly grease the skillet with oil using a paper towel to absorb the excess. This is a good technique to avoid sticky pancakes.

7. Pouring the batter
Use a ladle to pour a thin layer of batter into the center of the skillet. Rotate the skillet to spread the batter evenly across the surface.

8. Baking the pancakes
Let them cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the edges of the pancake lift easily from the skillet. Use a spatula to flip the pancake over and cook for another 1-2 minutes. Continue the process until all the batter is used, covering the pancakes with a plate to keep them warm.

9. Filling and serving
Spread each pancake with fruit jam. You can roll them up, fold them into triangles, or shape them any way you like. Arrange two pancakes on a plate for a serving. You can decorate with whipped cream and a bit of caramelized sugar for a contrast of textures and flavors.

Suggestions and Variations

- Alternative fillings: Instead of jam, you can use melted chocolate, vanilla cream cheese, or even fresh fruit.
- Gluten-free options: Substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour to make pancakes accessible to those with intolerances.
- Flavor additions: You can experiment with flavors like cinnamon, vanilla, or lemon zest in the batter for a more sophisticated taste.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why do pancakes stick to the skillet?
Make sure the skillet is well-heated and lightly oil it before each pancake.

2. Can I prepare the batter in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the batter a few hours ahead and keep it in the fridge. Just be sure to mix it again before using.

3. How can I make fluffier pancakes?
Whisk the eggs well and let the batter rest for a few minutes to allow the flour to absorb the liquid.

Nutritional Benefits

Pancakes are a good source of carbohydrates, providing quick energy. Eggs bring valuable protein, and using butter (or margarine) adds healthy fats. Filling options like fruit jams can provide additional vitamins and antioxidants.

Conclusion

I hope this pancake recipe inspires you to prepare them with love and enjoy every bite! Whether you savor them alone or share them with friends and family, these pancakes will bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones. Don't forget to let me know how they turned out! Enjoy your meal!