As someone who generally prefers a crepe to an American pancake, I can confirm even I find these positively delicious (I mean in my opinion, putting raisins in something makes anything better!). They are fluffy and delicious, just how I like my American pancakes (no stodge here, no thank you!). I thought I'd share this recipe as I find these a perfect (relatively healthy) breakfast, for when I fancy something a bit fancy! (plus 2 of your 5 a day, what more could you ask for!)
For recipe see bottom of page.
One of the great things about this recipe is its easy to make substitutions to suit you, some of my suggestions would be:
Vegan Pancakes: Substitute the egg for another mashed ripe banana and the milk and butter for vegan substitutes.
Choc Chip and Banana Pancakes: Substitute out all the raisins in the recipe for choc chips!
I thought I should also mention why my pancakes are circular (generally because of the addition of raisins and banana they come out in all sorts of funny shapes!). I used crumpet rings which I greased with a non-stick spray.
Thick Pancakes (pictured below): This is also how I managed to make the incredibly thick pancakes the first time (which are good I just prefer the balance between filling and pancake when they are thinner). However if you want to make the thicker pancakes I suggest using about a ladle full of the mix and popping it in a crumpet ring (you will also want to use 140ml of milk rather than the quantity in the recipe). Remember the recipe will make less pancakes though!
TIPS AND TRICKS:
The easiest way to check if they are done (if you aren't worried about presentation), is to use a pair of scissors and cut into the middle or the pancake then you can see the inside of the pancake and check if it is cooked (it also means they absorb the maple syrup better!).
There are two things you shouldn't do when making these. Firstly don't squash them down with the spatula when you are cooking them even if they look thick (you may be making them thinner, but it will also squish out the air making them not as fluffy!). Likewise don't try and cook them at too higher temperature (I use about the middle temperature on my hob) as they will overcook on the outside and be raw inside. Basically don't rush them!
Finally, when it comes to leftovers if you store them in an airtight container and just pop them in the toaster until they are warmed through. They will taste as good as fresh! (and your food waste will be reduced, plus you get to eat more pancakes!)
Ooo, look at that oozing maple syrup in the last picture! I hope anyone who tries it likes this recipe and if you have any improvements, questions or comments pop them below and I will be able to reply to you!
My next recipe should be an apple crumble loaf cake (already tried and tested and confirmed delicious!). If anyone has any future recipe suggestions, pop them below. I would certainly be up for a challenge!
Recipe
Ingredients (makes around 10 pancakes):
Pancakes:
115g Self-Raising Flour
175ml Milk
30g Raisins
1tsp Baking Powder
1 Ripe Banana (Mashed)
1 Egg
1/2tsp Vanilla Extract
tbsp Butter (for greasing)
Decoration:
1 Banana
2 tbsp Raisins (according to taste)
2 tbsp Maple Syrup (to taste)
Instructions:
Pancakes:
Sieve the flour and baking powder into a bowl, then add the raisins and a pinch of salt and stir till combined.
Whisk together the milk, egg, banana and vanilla extract in another bowl.
Put a large bottomed frying pan on the hob at a medium heat add some of the butter and start heating it.
Create a well in the middle of your dry ingredients, then pour in the wet ingredients. Mix together to make a batter.
Use a ladle to transfer some of the mix to the pan (I find about half a ladle works perfectly for the pancake size pictured above).
Flip the pancakes with a spatula when the bottom is nicely browned, then serve when both sides are nicely browned.
Pancake Stack:
Place 1 pancake on a plate spread over it (so it soaks in) 1tsp maple syrup, add a sprinkling or raisins and 2 slices of banana (cut diagonally). Place the next pancake on top.
Repeat step 1 till you have a stack of 5 pancakes.
Top the final pancake with diagonally cut slices of banana and some raisins, then drizzle the remaining maple syrup over the stack.
Garnish with some more slices of banana and the remainder of the raisins.
Serve and Enjoy!
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