"Instant" Pancakes

This is Alton Brown's recipe for what he calls "Instant" Pancakes. There is more work than just pouring from a bottle or just adding water, but the payoff is worth it. The best pancakes we have ever had, hands down. The recipe allows for you to make your own pancake mix that will keep in a sealed container for around 3 months and then make the batter in the proportion you need.

 

Ingredients

Pancake Mix:
12 cups all-purpose flour
3 teaspoons baking soda (check expiration date first)
6 teaspoons baking powder
2 tablespoon kosher salt
4 tablespoons sugar
 
Ingredients for the Pancakes (this makes between 20 and 24 three to four inch pancakes - you can adjust the proportions pretty easily):
 
4 eggs, separated
4 cups buttermilk
8 tablespoons melted butter
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
4 cups "Instant" Pancake Mix, recipe above (add a little more for thicker pancakes).
1/4 stick butter, for greasing the pan
2 cups fresh fruit such as blueberries, if desired - or mini chocolate chips

 

Cooking Directions

Heat an electric griddle or frying pan to 350 degrees F.

Whisk together the egg whites, the buttermilk and vanilla in a small bowl. Temper the egg yolks with the melted butter in another bowl, then whisk the egg yolks with the melted butter.

Combine the buttermilk mixture with the egg yolk mixture in a large mixing bowl and whisk together until thoroughly combined. Pour the liquid ingredients on top of the pancake mix. Using a whisk, mix the batter just enough to bring it together. Don't try to work all the lumps out.

Check to see that the griddle is hot by placing a few drops of water onto to the griddle. The griddle is ready if the water dances across the surface.

Lightly butter the griddle. Wipe off thoroughly with a paper towel. (No butter should be visible.)

Gently ladle the pancake batter onto the griddle and sprinkle on fruit if desired. When bubbles begin to set around the edges of the pancake and the griddle-side of the cake is golden, gently flip the pancakes. Continue to cook 2 to 3 minutes or until the pancake is set.

Serve immediately or remove to a towel-lined baking sheet and cover with a towel. Hold in a warm place for 20 to 30 minutes.

 

Melt the butter (1 minute in microwave)  the allow to cool so the egg yolks don't scramble

Melt the butter (1 minute in microwave) the allow to cool so the egg yolks don't scramble

 

Separate the eggs (the whites could be put in a larger bowl since they mix w/ 3 cups buttermilk)

Separate the eggs (the whites could be put in a larger bowl since they mix w/ 3 cups buttermilk)

 

Mix buttermilk, vanilla and egg whites together

Mix buttermilk, vanilla and egg whites together

 

Break yolks with a fork

Break yolks with a fork

 

Temper the egg yolks with the butter (if the butter is too hot, the egg will begin to scramble)

Temper the egg yolks with the butter (if the butter is too hot, the egg will begin to scramble)

 

Add egg yolk mix to the buttermilk

Add egg yolk mix to the buttermilk

 

Mix thoroughly

Mix thoroughly

 

3 cups of the pancake mix in a bowl.

3 cups of the pancake mix in a bowl.

 

Pour liquid over the mix (you can see a few scrambled eggs in the mix)

Pour liquid over the mix (you can see a few scrambled eggs in the mix)

 

Mix - no need to overmix, just get so the flour is combined

Mix - no need to overmix, just get so the flour is combined

 

Once mixed, make right away (you don't want these to sit too long)

Once mixed, make right away (you don't want these to sit too long)

 

Butter the skillet

Butter the skillet

 

Place the batter on skillet.  Add the blueberries to the top.

Place the batter on skillet. Add the blueberries to the top.

 

Or chocolate chips

Or chocolate chips

 

Flip - once the edges harden a bit the pancakes are ready to flip.

Flip - once the edges harden a bit the pancakes are ready to flip.

 

Place done pancakes oven - 200 degrees - to keep warm.

Place done pancakes oven - 200 degrees - to keep warm.

 

Blueberry Pancakes

Blueberry Pancakes

 

Chocolate Chip Pancakes

Chocolate Chip Pancakes

 

"Instant" Pancakes

 
 

All Recipes and pictures Copyright ©2005 - 2024 by Gregory Motes; All Rights Reserved