Making in the Kitchen: Pumpkin Pancakes

Pancakes are a fan favorite at my house. We eat them for breakfast, lunch and dinner.  Any time is pancake time. We’ve tried adding all kinds of different things like bananas, berries and chocolate chips (of course).  But if you’ve never tried pumpkin pancakes, you are in for a treat. These really are a bit more decadent than your average pancake. They’re rich and filling and ohhh so good.

 Here is what you need:

• 2 1/3 c. Bisquick
• 1/3 c. canned pumpkin
• 1 1/4 c. milk
• 1/4 c. oil
• 2 T. sugar
• 1 t. pumpkin pie spice
• 2 eggs
• 1 c. syrup
• 1/4 c. pecans

This recipe yields about 24 medium-sized pancakes.

Simply mix all of the above ingredients together (except the syrup & pecans) with a whisk until well combined.  Depending on the heat quality of your stove top, you’ll know best how high to set your temperature. But if you’ve never made pancakes before, I set mine halfway between low and medium and that seems just about right for pancakes. You don’t want them to get too dark.

I always grease the skillet with a tiny bit of canola oil, rubbing it on with a paper towel.  That will be enough for the entire batch.  Pour each pancake down, to the size of your liking.  A trick I learned to tell  if they’re ready to flip is to check the top for bubbles.  If tiny bubbles start to form on the tops of the uncooked pancakes (like the ones in this picture), it’s time to flip.  I don’t even peak underneath anymore, I just look for those bubbles.

While your cooking your cakes, you could keep them on a tray in the oven set on warm. Or, your family can eat as you cook like mine does!  Oh, the syrup!!  Let’s not forget this delicious topper.  Heat your syrup of choice and stir in those chopped pecans.  Now people, I have something very important to say about syrup.  You must, must, MUST WARM YOUR SYRUP.  I can not stress this enough.  Why on earth would you have toasty warm, soft pancakes with melted butter goodness if you’re going to drizzle cold syrup on top?  Take the extra minute and warm it in the microwave. You will thank me. It makes all the difference in the world. It amazes me that even popular breakfast restaurants don’t take this simple step.

I hope your Saturday morning includes pancakes.  Mine will!