Pancakes

The recent contribution of the Dutch Baby recipe from my collaborater reminded me that I've had quite a few requests from French friends to put up my pancake recipe. Pancakes are a huge hit in crèpe country! The spoiled brood of kids (ours & their friends) expect them every Saturday morning (actually, so does hubby....). Occasionally they make their own or assist, so other parents should be encouraged to teach them this simple basic recipe. That said, I tend to get "creative", so as usual I'll give some variations.

TIP: Pancake grills, although lovely, are not necessary. Here in France they don't exist, so not having one is not an excuse for not making pancakes. A large heavy non-stick griddle is fine: let's remember that pancakes were eaten in the Wild West, known as griddle cakes, then PANcakes!

TOPPINGS: Maple syrup, Aunt Jemima, Golden syrup (British), jam, homemade fruit syrups (fruit, sugar, water, fresh fruit), butter, Nutella, sour cream.....

BASIC RECIPE
1 cup flour (white or whole wheat)
1 cup milk (butter milk, kafir or fermented milk, yogurt....)
1 egg
1 tsp baking soda
3 tbsp vegetable oil (NOT olive oil: can substitute melted butter)

optional: fresh berries or other sliced fruit
optional: half cider (2% alcohol) half milk or yogurt

Mix ingredients together until smooth.
Heat pan over medium heat. Test by sprinkling a fey drops of water, if it evaporates immediately it's hot enough!
Spoon batter onto pan.
Wait until batter bubbles, then flip over. Let cook about a minute. Remove & place on plate.
When batter is finished, serve hot & enjoy!