Mix Free Pancakes

Pancake mixes have gotten absurd. First there was just pancake mix, then there was the kind where you add water or milk to the container and just shake it, and then pancake mix in a can. 

Ever wanted pancakes but you didn't make them because you didn't have one of these mixes? No more. This recipe will make about eight medium sized pancakes.

Ingredients:

8 oz milk

2 large eggs

4 TBsp melted butter

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 1/2 cups flour

2 TBsp sugar

2 tsp baking powder

1 tsp salt

1 tsp cinnamon

Pre-heat a pan or griddle, depending on how many of these you want to cook at one time. Combine the dry ingredients on one bowl.

Separate the eggs, putting the yolks in one bowl large enough to hold the whole batter, and the whites in another bowl, and set the whites aside. Mix in the remaining wet ingredients, then combine the wet and dry ingredients, mixing well.

Now, add a pinch of salt to the egg whites from above, and beat them into soft peaks with a whisk or an electric beater. The salt helps denature the protein in the whites, then, as you beat them the proteins start sticking together again, but in a new way, and with lots of air pockets. If you're mixing with a whisk, an amusing trick is to hold the whisk vertically between your hands, like it's a stick you're rubbing into a board to start a fire. Roll the whisk between your hands to greatly speed up the beating process. Just a warning, this is terrible technique, but tons of fun.

These whites were a little on the stiffer side, but if you over do it a little, it will be fine. Now you want to gently fold the whites into the batter. Use a flexible spatula, and you're looking to incorporate the whites evenly. Be gentle, but not shy.

Add a little butter to the pan to keep things from sticking and lay down your first pancake. Flip it when the bottom starts to lift up, and photograph with a pat of butter centered on the pancake.

There is nothing really that special about this recipe. The vanilla and cinnamon work very well together, but what makes this recipe great is the customization you can do. You can add fresh fruit, or chocolate, or you can substitute some of the milk for butter milk, or beer. Plus, you probably already have these ingredients in your pantry.