Apple Ginger Pancakes
Source: pbs.org (courtesy of Adrianna Adarme of the Fresh Tastes blog)
For the Apples:
2 T unsalted butter
1 honey crisp apple, diced (about 3/4 cup)
1 T brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
For the Dry Mix:
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
For the Wet Mix:
1 1/4 cups buttermilk, shaken
1 large egg
Other: Butter or vegetable oil, for the skillet
In a cast iron skillet (we’ll use the same one later), melt the butter over medium heat. When melted, add the diced apple, brown sugar, cinnamon and fresh ginger; mix until coated. Cook until fragrant and apples have cooked slightly, about 1 to 2 minutes. Remove and set aside.
To a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. In a measuring cup or small bowl, measure out the buttermilk. Add the egg and beat until thoroughly combined.
All at once, add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. The batter should have some small to medium lumps. Gently fold in the sautéed apples and allow the batter to stand for 5 minutes.
Preheat your skillet over medium heat and brush with a teaspoon of butter or a teaspoon of oil. Using a 1/4-cup measure, scoop the batter onto the warm skillet. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until small bubbles form on the surface, and then flip. Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook on the opposite sides for about 1 minute, or until golden brown.
Transfer the cooked pancakes to a baking sheet and place in a preheated 200 F oven to keep warm. Repeat the process with the remaining batter, adding more butter or vegetable oil to the skillet when needed. Serve immediately with maple syrup and a pat of butter.
Yield: 8 pancakes