Fluffiness Can Be A Good Thing ...

Fluffiness can be a good thing, when not being used to refer to my thighs.

But, when you're talking Saturday morning pancakes?

Bring on the FLUFF

As I venture out into the world o'cooking from scratch more, and it's a scary, scary journey, I'm learning ways to improve upon my failures as a cook. My family can duly chronicle my cooking misadventures (most of which ended up in ordering in pizza).

Lately, I've been taking on breakfast foods. I have somewhat conquered crepes and waffles.

Now, the big battle.

Pancakes.

Buttermilk pancakes.

Without real buttermilk.

(cue scary music)

Da da dun...........

And so, my fellow foodie-challenged friends, I give you ...

Yummy, Fluffy Goodness in the Form of a Pancake

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 cups flour
• 2 tablespoons granulated      sugar (or Splenda)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 3/4 cup milk
• 2 large eggs, separated
• 1/4 cup melted butter

PREPARATION:

In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, baking powder, and soda.

In another bowl, whisk together **buttermilk and milk, egg yolks, and melted butter. Blend into the dry ingredients just until all ingredients are moistened.

** Interrupting this recipe recital o bring you this 'well known to everyone but me factoid' about buttermilk: Since most of us don't keep buttermilk in the house, simply add 1 T of vinegar or lemon juice to each cup of milk. Set aside of a few minutes, and Voila! Buttermilk.

Beat egg whites in another bowl until stiff peaks form. This is where the fluffiness lies, hidden, waiting to release it's yumminess to the world.

Fold into the batter until well incorporated.

Preheat and spray a skillet lightly with cooking spray (or use can use a wee bit of oil or butter).

Pour a 1/4 cup of batter for each pancake, leaving a bit of space between for expansion.

Check the underside after a few minutes by lifting the corner of the pancake, If it's nicely browned, flip that puppy over and give side two a chance to tan.

Preheat your oven to 220, and put the each set of pancakes on an oven proof plate to keep warm while you continue to cook.

Marvel at how light and fluffy these pancakes are.

Think of me, and smile.