What better way to begin a new day than to let yourself be intoxicated, mind and body, by a tasty and delicious breakfast, perfect to greet in the best possible way the day ahead? We have gone abroad to seek out a suitable answer to our breakfast challenge, and propose American pancakes, a dessert that is exceptionally popular amongst American families. Among mothers in the land of the stars and stripes, it is an ingrained habit to serve these pancakes - a kind of sweet crepe, but thicker - for breakfast. The thickness is due to the addition of baking powder or bicarb of soda. The pancakes are served with the famous maple syrup (if you've never tasted it, you will probably have seen it in the movies!), but also with jam, custard, chocolate, or, if you really want to feel American, with eggs and bacon.
* approximate values per serving
In a blender, first blitz the eggs with the sugar, add the milk and then gradually add the flour mixed with baking powder. Heat a frying pan and grease it with a sheet of oiled baking parchment. Then with a ladle, pour a little of the batter into the centre of the pan to form a disk of 6cm or so in diameter. Cook for less than a minute then flip it over and cook for a few seconds more. Repeat until all the batter is used up and you've got a small tower of pancakes. In a small pan, prepare the sauce by melting the butter over low heat and add an equivalent quantity of syrup. Serve on a plate pouring some of the sauce over the pancakes. You can also eat in a more ‘diet-like’ pancake with a little yoghurt and jam. Your pancakes are ready!
|
View the step by step
|
Bake a batter by mixing the eggs and the sugar, then the milk, the baking powder and flour
|
|
View the step by step
|
Make the sauce by melting some butter in a saucepan and adding the maple syrup, making an emulsion of the two ingredients
|
|
View the step by step
|
Add a ladle of batter to a lightly oiled frying pan so as to form a disk of 5-6cm in diameter
|
|
View the step by step
|
Once the first side is cooked, flip it over and cook the other side. Repeat the procedure until all the batter has been used up.
|
|
View the step by step
|
This typical American pancake breakfast is ready!
|
Pancakes can be enriched with a variety of ingredients, but one of the most classic and appreciated combinations is with maple syrup and fresh fruit. To prepare this variant, after cooking the pancakes, you can garnish them with slices of banana, strawberries, or blueberries, and pour a generous amount of maple syrup on top. This not only adds sweetness but also freshness to the dish, making it perfect for an energetic breakfast. If you like, you can also dust with a bit of powdered sugar for a touch of elegance. The sweetness of the fruit pairs perfectly with the buttery flavor of the pancakes, creating a perfect balance that everyone will enjoy.
The preparation of American-style pancakes involves the use of specific ingredients and a particular technique that guarantees fluffy and tall results. Unlike thinner versions, American pancakes are thicker and softer, thanks to the addition of baking powder and the correct cooking over medium heat. To achieve this consistency, it is important not to overmix the batter; lumps are acceptable and will help make the pancakes lighter. Served with melted butter and maple syrup, these pancakes are a true delight to enjoy with family or friends, perfect for starting the day with energy.
For those looking for a lighter version of pancakes, it is possible to create a light recipe by eliminating butter and replacing refined sugar with natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup in reduced amounts. By using skim milk or plant-based drinks like almond or soy milk, you can achieve lighter pancakes that are just as tasty. Additionally, you can enrich the batter with whole wheat flour to increase the fiber content. This variant is perfect for those who want to maintain a healthy diet without giving up the pleasure of a good pancake. Served with fresh fruit, these light pancakes will be an excellent choice for a nutritious and balanced breakfast.
Pancakes, when prepared with quality ingredients, can offer several nutritional benefits. The main element, flour, provides complex carbohydrates that are a source of long-term energy. Eggs provide high-quality protein and a range of essential vitamins, while milk contributes calcium and B vitamins. A medium pancake, with standard portions of ingredients, contains about 90-100 calories, but this value can vary depending on the ingredients used and the portions. For a balanced meal, it is advisable to accompany pancakes with fruit or yogurt, which increase the nutritional value and make the dish even more delicious.
The answer is yes, pancakes can be frozen for later consumption. It is advisable to let them cool completely before storing them in an airtight container or wrapping them individually in plastic wrap. This way, you will prevent them from sticking together and can easily thaw them when you feel like it. To reheat them, simply place them in a skillet for a few minutes or in the microwave for a couple of seconds. This practice is particularly useful for those who have little time in the morning, allowing you to enjoy fresh pancakes even on the busiest days, without compromising taste and texture.