Pan sticking, nasty texture, lack of flavor – there are a host of problems associated with creating pancakes, and it’s flipping annoying, isn’t it? Don’t worry, though, as we’ve got you covered with fixes for five common mistakes that may be holding back your pancake game:
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Your Pan Isn’t Into It
If you’re forever having to scrape pancake mix off your frying pan, and your flipping is flaccid because the pan just won’t let the pancake go, the issue is your cookware. Make your cookware set non stick, and you’ll not only find your pancakes are much crispier and easier to flip, but you’ll also be able to use little to no oil or butter. By cutting down on these unnecessary calories, you can dedicate more to yummy toppings!
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You’re Battering the Batter
Did you know that over-mixing the pancake batter can mean the gluten ends up over-developed? This gives it an elastic quality, leading to a rubbery pancake. To avoid this issue, slowly add liquid to the dry mix, and keep it thick rather than making it too runny. Don’t worry if you have a few lumps – they won’t be noticeable once the pancakes are cooked. If you accidentally make the mix too runny, sift flour in slowly to thicken it back up again.
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You’re Mixing It Wrong
Are you continually sticking to the same old packet mix for your pancakes? Whilst old faithful might give you reliable results every time, you’re missing out on a plethora of delicious, interesting pancake types that can be applied to both sweet and savory dishes.
For example, gram-flour pancakes are loaded with protein and are a highly filling breakfast option, especially when combined with scrambled tofu. You can also make pancakes with protein powders, sweet potato, white potato, or buckwheat flour. The possibilities are endless. Don’t forget to experiment with toppings too – there’s a world of flavor waiting for you to enjoy!
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You’re Skipping the Fun
Each year, the UK celebrates Pancake Day, otherwise known as Shrove Tuesday. It takes place 47 days before Easter Sunday. In America, Mardi Gras is celebrated around the same time.
Regardless of whether Pancake Day is one day a year or every day in your household, there is one way to enhance the experience, and that’s to have more fun with it. This could mean flipping them theatrically, making them into pancake charcuterie boards, or creating smiley faces on them. However you do it, fun is a crucial part of the process. So, if your pancake game is a little lackluster, it’s time to add some more fun!
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You’re Not Using Buttermilk
Buttermilk is available to purchase in supermarkets all over the world, but many people don’t realize this ingredient plays an important role in pancake creation. Buttermilk is what adds that special delicious tang to pancakes, so if you want to create a top-grade dish, this is your secret weapon.
If you’re vegan, you don’t have to miss out. Instead, you can make vegan buttermilk by curdling soya milk. Lemon juice and soya milk mixed together and left for a few minutes results in perfect dairy-free buttermilk, so your guilt-free pancakes need only be free from animal products, not flavor!
You’re all set for some flipping good fun! With a few swaps and changes, your pancake game is going to be top-notch. We wish you many delicious and exciting breakfasts!