March 3, 2016

Rosa Parks' "featherlite" peanut butter pancakes

I recently finished reading a book recommended to me by a friend called, Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking.  It begins with a focus on Rosa Parks and talks about her quiet courage.  So Rosa Parks has been on my mind, and when I happened to spot a recipe for her "featherlite" peanut butter pancakes over at Food52 a few days ago, I knew what I had to do.  I had to make these pancakes.
I wanted to make these pancakes - to think about Rosa Parks, to honor a special woman in this tiny way.  And lucky me, I got a batch of delicious peanut butter pancakes to share with my family as a result.

This recipe, discovered handwritten on the back of what looks to be a bank deposit envelop, is part of a collection of Rosa Parks' papers and memorabilia collected by The Library of Congress that's now been digitalized.  
It's great to imagine that maybe Rosa Parks made and ate these very pancakes once upon a time.  These peanut butter pancakes are special because there's actually peanut butter in the batter itself.  Somehow, through the help of a generous helping of baking powder, the pancakes turn out fluffy and light, with a flavor (and aroma) that is unmistakably peanut butter.  

If you like peanut butter, and pancakes, I recommend you give these a try...and enjoy them in honor of Ms. Rosa Parks.



Recipe:

Rosa Parks' "Featherlite" Peanut Butter Pancakes
Adapted via Food52

- Makes approximately 6 four-inch round pancakes - 

1 cup all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons sugar
1 egg
1 1/4 cups whole milk
1/3 cup (smooth) peanut butter (warmed slightly can make it easier to incorporate)
1 tablespoon shortening or neutral oil, for cooking

In a large mixing bowl (the batter will expand), whisk the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar together.  In a separate mixing bowl (or large measuring cup), whisk the egg, milk, and peanut butter together.   

Add wet ingredients into the dry, mixing until just combined.

Grease skillet or griddle with shortening or oil over medium-heat.  Using a ladle or 1/2-cup measuring cup, spoon and gently spread batter into about 4-inch round pancakes.  Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until bubbles begin to surface around the edges of the pancakes and they start to look fluffy and dry.  Flip and cook for about another 2 minutes, until pancakes are cooked through and golden brown.  Repeat with remaining batter and serve warm.




30 comments:

  1. That sounds like such a great book - I need to add it to my list! Now if only I actually had more time to read :)

    These pancakes look and sound delicious - and what a wonderful sentiment too. Have a lovely weekend Monica!!

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    1. I love to read as much/if not more than cook and eat but you're right...so little time. These pancakes were so rich with peanut butter flavor and yet so fluffy. I'm glad I got to know it.

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  2. I must make these for my husband. He is crazy for peanut butter and pancakes...this is a perfect combo and they look super soft!

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    1. I definitely recommend it for the pb and pancake lover, Angie.

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  3. p.s you really meant 2 tablespoons of baking powder, that's 30grams?

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    1. Yes, I did a triple take when I saw the 2 tablespoons as well, Angie. I worried there'd be a weird after-taste but no worries, it expands the batter significantly but the pancakes cook up airy and there is no hint of any off flavor. If you look at some of the comments in the Food52 post, I believe others had same concern and can also tell you they turned out just fine. : )

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  4. Peanut butter and pancakes are a marriage made in heaven :)

    Sues

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    1. I'd never had it in the pancakes themselves so this was a revelation.

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  5. I'm printing this recipe to try over the weekend. I have often spread peanut butter on pancakes so I am thrilled to try it in the batter. Thank you for the lovely recipe and wonderful post! Have a great weekend. We're getting 1-3 inches of snow tonight - no spring weather yet!

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    1. Awesome, Tricia! I've also done pancakes with peanut butter on top and have stuffed them with peanut butter but never had actual "peanut butter pancakes" like these! I was so surprised all that baking powder really lifted them up (the batter will expand a lot and be bubbly) and there is no weird flavor from it. It tastes undeniably like peanut butter pancakes...very satisfying and hearty.
      Good luck with the snow. We are only supposed to get half to an inch. Crossing fingers...Spring is highly anticipated here!

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  6. What a lovely connection! I've never actually done peanut butter IN pancakes, and it sounds amazing! Love how fluffy they are regardless :)

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    1. Same here, and the pancakes turned out so fluffy and full of peanut butter flavor.

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  7. Yum!! I remember seeing this recipe on Food52 and being totally captivated because...well, I love peanut butter, haha. It looks like the recipe came out wonderfully. Your pancakes look amazing (: Really cool historical tie in with Rosa Parks.

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    1. I'm so glad I tried it after seeing the recipe. It was definitely intriguing and it turned out some special pancakes. : )

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  8. I'm very excited to give these fluffy pancakes a try! And I definitely need to get that book too. Have a wonderful weekend!

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  9. These pancakes look so light and fluffy! My son adores peanut butter and usually adds a smear on his pancakes but mixing it right into the batter sounds delicious! The book sounds awesome too!

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    1. Exactly...definitely worth a try. I'm totally thanking Rosa Parks for this, among many other things.

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  10. This book sounds fantastic, Monica. And these pancakes look so fluffy, light and delicious. My daughter would love these!

    Anu - My Ginger Garlic Kitchen

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  11. This book is great, I read it and last year. Yummy pancakes

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    1. Yes, I'm so glad my friend recommended it to me. It made a lot of sense and I really enjoyed it.

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  12. Recipes and food are always special when there is a back story! How fun to imagine that Rosa Parks enjoyed these pancakes! I have been meaning to read, "Quiet" for awhile (I may even have taken it out of the library, not had time to read it, and returned it). The book intrigues me because my daughter and I are extroverts and my husband and son are introverts. I was hoping "Quiet" would give me some insight!

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    1. I agree...it's nice to talk about the food and where it came from and how the recipe is special, along with eating it. And I definitely recommend the book - it is very well researched and written, and there will be many "ah-ha" moments. I think your introverted husband and son would really appreciate it, too.

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  13. What a fun pancake variation! I've never had peanut butter on pancakes before, but it sounds like there are a lot of fans.

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    1. There's actually smooth peanut butter stirred right into the batter so tons of peanut butter flavor in a soft pancake package. Fun stuff. : )

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  14. I think I am obsessed with pancakes and crepes, I cannot just click away when seeing a picture of them. I love these, so fluffy!

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    1. There is definitely something comforting about pancakes, crepes, waffles, and such. I just love a good breakfast or brunch, too.

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  15. Your oancakes looks so spongy... I like that. I also love the concept that you use peanut butter here.. I am quite excited about this now...

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    1. They are really fluffy and very flavor full...think I'm craving it again. : )

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