Cast Iron Pancake
As mentioned in my previous post, I do not have the patience for flipping pancakes.
I know, how could I have made it through the Year of the Pancake without gaining the patience to do it? Every week I had an opportunity to practice.
Well I just made Greg do that part! It's called teamwork guys.
Unfortunately, there were a few weeks where Greg was travelling for work. And as if it didn't already suck that we would have to be apart, it also meant we would get further behind in our pancake project.
So rather than miss another weekend I thought it might be a good time to experiment with ways to get a pancake fix, without having to flip pancakes.
These are also great ways to feed a crowd!
I had also just gotten a cast iron skillet, so I was very excited to use it!
It's probably surprising that given how much I love cooking/hosting/being in the kitchen that I didn't already have one. But I just don't like to buy all the gadgets. I'm more interested in making things and less interested in getting new toys.
But I felt it was finally time to get one. And I felt that way because I saw it on sale at Sur La Table. (My hope is that they'll appreciate the shout out and ask me to create a line of kitchenware exclusively for them.) (A girl can dream, right?)
So with Greg gone, and no one to flip the pancakes for me, and this brand new cast iron skillet to break in, I set out to make a giant cast iron pancake.
It was so nice!
I used the usual base. I sprinkled it with some frozen blueberries I had on hand for fun. But you could add strawberries, chocolate chips, or any other mix in.
At 350F for 15-20 minutes, this was a hassle free and fairly quick way to make pancakes for a crowd. While the pancake was in the oven, I finished cleaning up in the kitchen, and made some fresh whipped cream!
It kind of looks like a giant cookie, but don't be fooled. It's all fluffy pancakey goodness!
I feel like I should also provide some tips or how to's to use and care for a cast iron but I also, just got mine. So I can't say I know everything.
Instead, let me point you to a guide! There's one for beginners, right here!
So when you host your holiday brunch, throw this baby in the oven and sip a mimosa while you chit chat with your friends! This cast iron pancake will be done in no time!
Ingredients:
2 1/2 cups flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
3 Tbsp sugar
1 1/2 cups skim milk
2 Tbsp low fat butter - melted
2 eggs, separated
Optional: Toppings of your choice (blueberries, chocolate chips, strawberries)
Directions:
Make sure the over is empty and preheat to 350F
Combine all dry ingredients.
Add milk, butter, and egg yolks until combined.
Add egg whites, folding into batter until just mixed. You don't want to over mix the batter, some lumps are okay. Mix in topping now or sprinkle on top when you pour the batter.
Pour the batter into the cast iron skillet and place in the oven for 15-20 minutes. *I always give a range because everyone's kitchen is a little different and it's best to check on something at the lower end of the range so as not to overcook.
Top with butter, syrup, or whipped cream as desired.
I made fresh whipped cream which was delicious with the little bursts of juicy blueberries!
Planning for a crowd is difficult. Don't worry about the pancakes not being a traditional pancake shape.
Remember, your family and friends are there to spend time with you and share a great meal! Mixing things up so it's easier to serve to a crowd is totally understandable! It's your holiday too and you can't enjoy it if you're stressed flipping pancakes!
Plus in the cast iron skillet, it's practically a piece of cake! (Or maybe more like pie?)
Enjoy!