Dad's Pancakes
My Dad would make us pancakes as a treat on the weekends. They are so easy and delicious to make.
I remember growing up, my parents would take us on a mammoth walk around the headland at the Bays in Coolum. It would always finish on a huge walk up the cliffs and all the way up another huge hill to our house. Dad’s incentive to get us up the hills without complaining was that he was going to make us pancakes. When we finally arrived back at our house, dad would whip up a batch of pancakes for our Sunday sesh. These are some of my favourite memories.
I learnt how to make the pancakes when I was about eight. Once I learnt the basics, there were pancakes for every special breakfast occasion - look out mother’s day and birthdays. All the breakfasts in bed always had a side of pancakes. I’ve changed the recipe a little bit, but my dad changed the recipe every time he made them. We never had the same experience twice.
Now your breakfasts in bed and brunches can have pancakes too. It’s a simple method and you can jazz them up or keep them casual. You can whip them up in about five to ten minutes depending on your mixing skills. Kids have a lot of fun with pancakes and they can totally join in. You can customise these easily, you could add sprinkles or choc chips or berries. Go healthy or go hard. Make it a thing.
Makes 5 - 6 hand sized, fluffy pancake boys
The Pancakes
2 eggs*
1 Tbs vanilla bean paste
2 Tbs sugar
1 cup and 2 Tbs plain flour
2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
1 cup milk*
1/2 to 1 Tbs lemon juice
butter for greasing*
To make the cakes
Separate the eggs into two bowls (a small bowl for the whites and a medium-large bowl for the yolks).
Place the whites in a small bowl and whisk until stiff peaks form. Set aside.
In another bowl lightly beat the egg yolks, then add the vanilla and sugar and mix until combined.
Measure the milk into a jug and add the lemon juice to it, stir until combined (congratulations you just made cheat’s buttermilk).
Measure the flour into a small bowl and add the salt and baking powder, stir together.
Add a third of the milk and a third of the flour into the yolk and sugar mix. Stir until just combined. Repeat this step (using up a third at a time) until all the flour and milk has been added. By adding the wet and dry gradually, this ensures the mixture is smooth and less lumpy then pouring the whole thing in.
Gently fold the egg whites through the pancake mix. It should be light and airy by this stage.
Place butter in a saucepan/frypan over medium heat.
Using a ladle, spoon a 1/2 a cup of mixture into the centre of the pan. Leave until bubbles form on the surface (see below for picture reference, it should resemble the second photo). Then using a spatula flip over and cook for a further 1-2 minutes.
Place warm pancakes onto a plate and cover with a clean tea towel until ready to serve.
This pancake needs some more bubbles before it’s ready for a flippin’
You may flip the pancakes now!
Top with your favourite toppings. Dad’s included lemon and sugar or the OG jam and cream. My favourites include nutella and strawberries or peanut butter, banana and ice cream. Always 100% team peanut butter! I guess there’s always maple syrup, if you want to be a little less adventurous.
Notes:
*You can use a spray oil to grease the pan for cooking.
*You can replace the eggs with a mashed banana or chia eggs (1 tbs chia with 2 tbs water, let sit for 10 minutes). They will be less fluffy and light if you do this.
*You do not have to separate the eggs. My dad’s original method is to put the whole egg in with the sugar at the beginning. The finished product will be slightly more dense and thick but equally as delicious.
*You can use alternative milks or a yoghurt instead of milk. If you use yoghurt, you do not need to add any lemon juice.
final thoughts…
I am in the process of writing a business plan. I really want to have the opportunity to run a market stall on a few weekends a month. I understand without a commercial kitchen I will have to hire one out and get permits from there. If any of you have tips or tricks regarding the whole thing, please let me know. I’d be forever appreciative.
Love from the one and only flour child,
Amelia xx