What is a Pancake?
A pancake is a flat cake, often thin and round, prepared from a starch-based batter that may contain eggs, milk and butter and cooked on a hot surface such as a griddle or frying pan, often frying with oil or butter. Archaeological evidence suggests pancakes have been around since prehistoric times, with the earliest pancakes being made out of millet, barley, and wheat flour. Today, pancakes have become a popular dish around the world and can be found in many different forms, flavors, and sizes.
Ingredients for Pancakes from Scratch Recipe
There are a few essential ingredients that you need for a basic pancake recipe. These ingredients are flour, baking powder, eggs, milk, butter, and sugar. You can also add in other ingredients like vanilla extract, cinnamon, or fruit if you want to make special flavoured pancakes. Additionally, if you want to make vegan pancakes, you can substitute the eggs, milk, and butter with plant-based alternatives.
Step-by-Step Guide on How to Make Pancakes from Scratch
Making pancakes from scratch isn’t as hard as it looks. All you need is a bit of patience, the right ingredients, and some practice. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make pancakes from scratch:
1. Start by sifting the flour and baking powder into a bowl. This step helps to ensure that the pancakes are light and fluffy.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, butter, and sugar until smooth. You can also add in any other ingredients that you want to add for flavour.
3. Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients and mix with a spoon until everything is combined. Make sure not to over-mix the batter or the pancakes will be dense and rubbery.
4. Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat and add a bit of butter or oil to the pan. Once the butter or oil is melted, scoop a ladle full of batter into the pan and spread it out evenly.
5. Cook the pancake until the edges start to look slightly golden brown. Flip the pancake and cook the other side until it is golden brown.
6. Remove the pancake from the pan and repeat the process until all the batter is used up.
Serving and Toppings for Pancakes from Scratch
Pancakes can be served with a variety of toppings. Some of the most popular toppings include fresh fruit, syrup, honey, jam, powdered sugar, and whipped cream. Additionally, you can add a variety of nuts and seeds, chocolate chips, and nut butters to the pancakes for extra flavour and texture.
Tips for Making Perfect Pancakes Every Time
Making perfect pancakes every time can be tricky, but with these tips, you will be able to make perfect pancakes every time. Here are some tips to keep in mind when making pancakes:
1. Make sure that the pan is hot before adding the batter. If the pan is not hot enough, the pancakes will not cook properly.
2. Don’t over-mix the batter. Over-mixing the batter will make the pancakes dense and rubbery.
3. Don’t add too much batter to the pan. If the pancakes are too thick, they will be difficult to flip.
4. Don’t flip the pancakes too soon. Wait until the edges of the pancakes start to look slightly golden brown before flipping.
5. Don’t press down on the pancakes. This will make them dense and tough.
Conclusion
Making delicious pancakes from scratch is not as hard as it looks. All you need is the right ingredients, a bit of patience, and some practice. With these tips, you will be able to make perfect pancakes every time. So, what are you waiting for? Get cooking!
