Perfectly Plump Pancakes

In our house pancakes are never limited to Shrove Tuesday, but are enjoyed whenever there is a little extra time to spare in the mornings. Occasionally, if it's a special occasion, say like a birthday, pancakes will always be on the food request list. Pancakes are so easy to prepare and they rarely create too much of a mess, so they're ideal to make with little ones. The boys are planning on having pancakes for their breakfast, dinner and tea tomorrow so I may get cracking with the batter-making! 

These pancakes can be made plain, but for a fruity pancake mix, I like to add a handful of mashed blueberries or strawberries, or a grated apple, or some mashed ripe banana to the batter. It just really depends on what I have to hand. This recipe is for thick 'American style' pancakes. If you would prefer more of a 'crepe like' pancake just add a little extra milk to the batter and spread it out evenly on the pan at the start of cooking. 

Perfectly Plump Pancakes

Ingredients

• 150g self-raising flour
• pinch of salt
• 1 egg
• 225ml milk
• 50g blueberries/strawberries, mashed, or 1 eating apple, grated
• sunflower oil, for frying

To Serve

• fresh berries
• maple syrup or apple syrup

Method

1. Place the flour and salt in a bowl.
2. Make a well in the centre and add the egg. Slowly combine it with the flour, using a hand whisk
3. Very slowly add the milk, whisking well after each addition.
4. When the batter is nice and smooth add the mashed blueberries or grated apple. Combine well and then pour into a jug and cover with cling film. Refrigerate for at least an hour. The batter can be used straight away but it tends to have a better consistency when left to rest. Give the batter a little whisk before cooking.
5. Heat the frying pan and add a little sunflower oil.
6. Add 3 small ladlefuls of batter onto the pan. Cook for 2 minutes or until some bubbles appear on the surface. Using a spatula or fish slice to turn the pancake over and brown the other side.
7. To keep the cooked pancakes warm place in a low heated oven and continue cooking the rest of the pancakes. Add the toppings of your choice.

Enjoy straight away!