pancake day...

What kind will you make?

Here are some ideas to get you started:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/food/news_and_events/events_pancakeday.shtml

I'm torn between traditional thin British pancakes with lemon and sugar, my Mom's blueberry pancakes, or my apple pancakes with creme fraiche, apple sauce, and cinammon sugar!

I'm making blueberry pancakes with crispy bacon.  Thanks for the reminder -- I need to pick up some flour today! 

My husband makes the British style pancakes but the kids don't enjoy them much. This year will be a Bisquick American style pancake day!

Mmm I think I will make some.  We are going out to get paczki as well - last year I think we settled for jelly doughnuts - not the same!

My husband makes the British style pancakes but the kids don't enjoy them much. This year will be a Bisquick American style pancake day!

Is that the kind  you can find at tesco? 

What is the secret to making pancakes?  I make a good batter but I either burn or under cook them, anyone have any suggestions?

Is that the kind  you can find at tesco? 

What is the secret to making pancakes?  I make a good batter but I either burn or under cook them, anyone have any suggestions?

Yes just the cheapy pancake batter mix at Tesco. They're more like crepes.

What is the secret to making pancakes?  I make a good batter but I either burn or under cook them, anyone have any suggestions?

Are you making thin or thick ones?

Are you making thin or thick ones?

Thick American ones..ha ha

Definitely the traditional thin ones with lemon (or orange) and sugar!

American style buttermilk pancakes and maple syrup, with sides of sausages and fried potatoes. Yum yum yum!!! 

Alton Brown has great instructions on how to cook pancakes.  You want the pan to be hot enough so that if you drop a bit of water on the pan, it dances before it evaporates.  I find medium to medium high heat is about right. 

Also you'll know when to flip them when the bubbles in the batter stay popped. 

Well, my experience is that the first one is almost always rubbish! But, that said, with thicker ones, I've found you need to cook them in a mixture of oil and butter (oil for heat, butter for flavor). Also, don't let it get too hot or your outside will burn and the inside be raw. I find a medium heat is best. I also keep them warm in the oven which, if they are a tad underdone in the middle, will help that cook.

I check the side cooking (just peek under there!) to make sure they aren't getting overdone. And if they are very thick, I might make a small cut in the center to see if they are underdone.

Hopefully someone else will have some clearer tips but I find it is a bit of trial and error!

Ah, cross-posted with Mrs Pink... the bubbles are a good indicator. Also, a dry edge.

Thank you everyone.  I will make another attempt tonight.

My dad used to make fantastic banana pancakes. Maybe Ill do that this year and do some chocolate chip ones also.

OMG I'm hungry now.  Might have to get up early and make some for myself!

I concur with the suggestions above; I've always been pretty good with thick pancakes (blueberry pecan is my speciality!)... but you must keep an eye on them!

I always test the heat with the water droplets, and use butter (I'm sure oil works well, but for me, it's an invitation to quickly burn), and watch for the edges to turn brown, and the bubbles...

YUM.

mmmm...pancakes.  I wont be making any but my favorite is blueberry!  Made with Krusteaz buttermilk mix....mmmm.