Blueberry Buttermilk Pancakes

I love homemade pancakes, especially the version with creamy buttermilk and juicy blueberries.  Nothing is better than whipping up a batch for breakfast on a lazy Sunday, and it’s a great way to impress the one you love!   I got this receipe from GQ Magazine (American version, May 2008), which I modifed to serve 2 people.

You will need:

1 cup all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons sugar
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon of baking soda
3/4 cup buttermilk
1/4 cup whole or lowfat milk
1 large egg
2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted and cooled), plus additional butter for frying
1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Optional toppings:

Blueberries
Banana (sliced)
Canadian Maple syrup
Plain yoghurt

1. Combine the flour, sugar, salt, baking powder and baking soda in a medium bowl. Mix it all in with a fork. In a small bowl, beat the buttermilk, milk, egg and melted butter. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ones and stir with a fork until combined. Don’t overmix the batter and make it super smooth. A few lumps are OK, as these will disappear during cooking. The batter can sit for up to an hour.

2. Heat a frying pan (preferably a cast iron skillet) over medium heat. Add a tablespoon or two of butter and heat until it starts to froth. Use a large spoon or ladle to pour some of the batter into the pan. Don’t overcrowd the pan; I usually do two at a time. I also put in the blueberries at this stage. Just press them in to the wet side of the pancake.

3. When bubbles are visible through the uncooked part of the batter and the edges start to get a bit brown (usually after 4-5 minutes), it’s time to flip it over! After you flip it over, cook for 2 -3 minutes more. If you’re cooking more than two pancakes, a tip is to warm the cooked pancakes in an oven (using baking paper on a tray) while you cook more pancakes. Use more butter in the pan after each batch.

4. Plate up by stacking the pancakes, layering over sliced banana, top with yogurt and drizzle with maple syrup (or more butter). Eat immediately!!