Pumpkin Pancakes with Cider and Maple Syrup

Here’s another incredible recipe from my new favorite pancake cookbook. Bart made these for breakfast this morning. We all loved them!

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
¼ teaspoon ground ginger
1 ½ cups milk
1 cup canned pumpkin or mashed, cooked pumpkin
2 egg yolks
3 tablespoons butter, melted
1 teaspoon finely shredded orange peel (optional but yummy)
2 egg whites
1/3 cup chopped pecans (optional)
1 recipe Cider and Maple Syrup (optional)

In a mixing bowl combine flour, brown sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, baking soda, nutmeg, and ginger. In another mixing bowl combine milk, pumpkin, egg yolks, butter, and if desired, orange peel. Add pumpkin mixture to flour mixture. Stir just until combined but still slightly lupy.

In a medium mixing bowl beat egg whites until stiff peaks form (tips stand straight). Gently fold beaten egg whites into batter, leaving a few puffs of white. Do not overbeat.

Heat a lightly greased griddle or heavy skillet over medium heat until a few drops of water dance across the surface. For each pancake pour about ¼ cup batter onto the hot griddle. Spread batter into a circle about 4 inches in diameter.

Cook over medium heat until pancakes are golden brown, turning to cook second sides when pancake surfaces are bubbly and edges are slightly dry (about 1 to 2 minutes per side). If desired, sprinkle about 1 teaspoon chopped pecans on pancakes before turning to cook second sides. If desired, serve with Cider and Maple Syrup.

Makes 16 pancakes.

Cider and Maple Syrup

1 cup apple cider
1 cup maple-flavored syrup

In a small saucepan combine apple cider and syrup. Bring to boiling over medium heat. Simmer, uncovered, for 15 to 20 minutes or until thickened slightly (you should have about 1 cup of syrup). Serve warm. Cover and refrigerate remaining syrup for up to 1 week.

Makes 1 cup.

Recipe Source: Pancakes & Toppings (by Better Homes and Gardens)