The Original "Pam-Cakes"

Step 1

Stir together flour and next 4 ingredients in a large bowl. Whisk together buttermilk and eggs; gradually stir into flour mixture. Gently stir in butter. (Batter will be lumpy.) Let stand 5 minutes.

Step 2

Pour about 1/4 cup batter for each pancake onto a hot (350°) buttered griddle.

Step 3

Cook pancakes 3 to 4 minutes or until tops are covered with bubbles and edges look dry and cooked. Turn and cook 3 to 4 minutes or until golden brown. Place pancakes in a single layer on a baking sheet, and keep warm in a 200° oven up to 30 minutes.

Step 4

Apple-Spice Pancakes HANDS-ON 40 min.; TOTAL 1 hour, 5 min., including syrup Save leftover Apple Cider Syrup for drizzling over vanilla ice cream. Cut 3 small McIntosh apples (about 5 oz. each) into thin slices, and toss with 1/4 cup sugar and 1/4 tsp. apple pie spice. Prepare recipe as directed through Step Drain apples. Pour about 1/4 cup batter onto a hot (350°) buttered griddle, and gently place 4 to 5 apple slices on each pancake. Proceed with recipe as directed in Step Serve warm with Apple Cider Syrup. Makes about 20 pancakes

Step 5

Chocolate Chip-Toasted Pecan Pancakes HANDS-ON 35 min., TOTAL 40 min. Add a generous dollop of whipped cream for an unexpected dessert. Prepare recipe as directed in Step Pour about 1/4 cup batter onto a hot (350°) buttered griddle, and sprinkle each pancake with 1 Tbsp. dark chocolate chips and 2 tsp. finely chopped toasted pecans. Proceed with recipe as directed in Step Top with powdered sugar and shaved chocolate. Makes about 20 pancakes