As I mentioned, I've got breakfast on the brain now that summer break is here and we have more time on our hands. One of my 8-year old's favorite breakfast requests is pancakes. Needless to say, I see myself flipping many batches throughout the summer.
Generally, if I have buttermilk, I make these irresistible buttermilk pancakes, which even the little one has grown to love (the tang, though subtle, took a little getting used to for him). When I only have milk, I make a classic, which involves whipping egg whites and separately folding them in for a fluffy texture. Those pancakes are terrific but I've been looking for a recipe for light, tender pancakes that don't require that extra step. Not that it's a huge hassle but - given the option - why not do away with extra dishes and having to remember to separate the eggs when they're cold, whipping the whites when they're room temperature and all that, first thing in the morning. And that's how we come to today's recipe.
Generally, if I have buttermilk, I make these irresistible buttermilk pancakes, which even the little one has grown to love (the tang, though subtle, took a little getting used to for him). When I only have milk, I make a classic, which involves whipping egg whites and separately folding them in for a fluffy texture. Those pancakes are terrific but I've been looking for a recipe for light, tender pancakes that don't require that extra step. Not that it's a huge hassle but - given the option - why not do away with extra dishes and having to remember to separate the eggs when they're cold, whipping the whites when they're room temperature and all that, first thing in the morning. And that's how we come to today's recipe.
I think I found what I've been looking for! A recipe for tender plain pancakes without the need for folding in egg whites. The secret ingredient in these pancakes is...potato starch!
I found the recipe in Gale Gand's Brunch! and it's credited to a woman named Ina Pickney, who apparently specializes in breakfasts. She calls these pancakes "Heavenly Hots" and I understand why after tasting them. The explanation behind adding potato starch (which is much like cornstarch) is that it helps soften the texture of the wheat flour, because it holds liquids differently, so that you end up with a finer, more tender pancake. Supposedly, the use of potato starch is one of the secrets behind Krispy Kreme doughnuts!
Though I haven't tried it, I've heard of including cornstarch to create a soft, fluffy, tender cookie so maybe this is much the same idea. Another cookbook I read recently said that the use of cornstarch and cocoa powder was done way back in Victorian times to create a finer cake crumb. I wonder why the habit went out of style but these pancakes have convinced me that there's definitely something to it! Some people say vinegar or lemon juice also helps make a tender pancake. I've made whole wheat pancakes using lemon juice but those were not as good as these. I'd love to hear it if you have any insight!
I highly recommend giving these pancakes a try - they're easy to make and turn out light and tender. I am officially inducting them into my family's pancake rotation. It's hard to believe that not very long ago, I only made pancakes from a box!
I found the recipe in Gale Gand's Brunch! and it's credited to a woman named Ina Pickney, who apparently specializes in breakfasts. She calls these pancakes "Heavenly Hots" and I understand why after tasting them. The explanation behind adding potato starch (which is much like cornstarch) is that it helps soften the texture of the wheat flour, because it holds liquids differently, so that you end up with a finer, more tender pancake. Supposedly, the use of potato starch is one of the secrets behind Krispy Kreme doughnuts!
Though I haven't tried it, I've heard of including cornstarch to create a soft, fluffy, tender cookie so maybe this is much the same idea. Another cookbook I read recently said that the use of cornstarch and cocoa powder was done way back in Victorian times to create a finer cake crumb. I wonder why the habit went out of style but these pancakes have convinced me that there's definitely something to it! Some people say vinegar or lemon juice also helps make a tender pancake. I've made whole wheat pancakes using lemon juice but those were not as good as these. I'd love to hear it if you have any insight!
I highly recommend giving these pancakes a try - they're easy to make and turn out light and tender. I am officially inducting them into my family's pancake rotation. It's hard to believe that not very long ago, I only made pancakes from a box!