Classic Pancake Recipes

The humble pancake has a marked place in history. Archeological discoveries suggest that pancakes have been around since prehistoric times. The original cakes were different then what we know today, but still combined milk, eggs, flours and spices, and were cooked over an open fire, most likely on a hot stone. The Alita Dolcia, as the ancient Romans called them, were sweet or savory, depending on additional ingredients that were added to the batter or spooned on top of the finished pancake.

During the 40 days of Lent fasting, Christians are only to eat one small meal a day consisting of no animal products. In Medieval times, Christians combined stores of milk, fat and eggs to make pancakes on Shrove Tuesday, the last day before the fasting, so they would not go to waste. In Sweden and Finland, the traditional Thursday meal includes  pea soup, slices  of pork, and sweet pancakes topped with jelly or lingonberries for dessert. The meal  is inexpensive and  easy to prepare, and leaves everyone satisfied  and happy.

Each culture has its own version of the pancake with its own special history. Today's American pancakes, also referred to as griddlecakes or hotcakes, are considered a breakfast food, and stemmed from the Native American nokehick, meaning "it is soft", and the Dutch panekoeken, which eventually became known as buckwheat cakes. The modern version of the ancient pancake combines flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, milk, oil and eggs, mixed just until the dry ingredients are moist. The lumpy batter is poured onto a hot skillet or griddle and cooked through until golden brown, flipping once during heat time.

Many ingredients can be added to the pancake to suit any taste. Fruits like apples, bananas and blueberries make a wonderful, refreshing treat, while adding crumbled bacon or scrambled breakfast sausage will give it a heavier, richer consistency and taste. Flavorings like vanilla or almond extract will help enhance the flavor, while the addition of chocolate chips or peanut butter can make breakfast more appealing to the younger set.

Johnnycakes, also called journey cakes, are often referred to as pancakes, but there are some differences. While pancakes are made with flour and baking soda, Johnnycakes have a cornmeal base and are unleavened. Water or milk, sugar and salt are added to the yellow or white cornmeal and grilled until golden. Flapjacks are also quite often confused with pancakes. They are, however, made with a drier batter that produces a thicker finished product, although the flavor is just as satisfying as a scrumptious pancake.

About the Author

Pancakes are a delicious breakfast treat perfect for breakfast or brunch. Master easy but impressive baked goods, breakfast favorites like waffles and French toast as well as classic egg dishes like omelet's, quiches, strata, frittata, and crêpes with brunch recipes designed for special occasion celebrations as well as casual weekend dining.

Article from goarticles.com

 

Related Articles