It's that time of year once again. Doesn't it feel like Groundhog Day was just yesterday? Those of you who know me know it's my favorite holiday tradition of the year. I love the excitement of the anticipated sign of spring from the Seer of Seers, Punxsutawney Phil, on February 2nd each year. Who would believe the little weather-predicting rodent would be 75-90 percent accurate. How about that! I'd say that's more predictable than any certified meteorologist.
However, I really feel Groundhog Day took on an all-new meaning years back after watching Bill Murray in the movie Groundhog Day. Imagine eating all the pancakes and donuts you like and repeating them the next day and the next.
So, in honor of Punxsutawney Phil and Bill Murray, here's my Punxsutawney Pancakes Recipe. Hearing the alarm clock at 6 AM on Groundhog Day just isn't the same without a tall stack of pancakes and a carafe of good coffee to wake up to. Just be sure to serve with a good maple syrup. Or, try a slice of my Egg Custard Pie (recipe below) for another sweet celebration.
Wishing you a Happy Groundhog Day this upcoming weekend! May my Punxsutawney Pancakes become a tradition at your breakfast table as well.
George's Punxsutawney Pancakes
Makes eight pancakes
chefgeorgehirsch.com | George Hirsch Lifestyle
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
3 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 Tablespoon pure cane granulated sugar
* 1 1/4 cups buttermilk
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 egg, beaten
3 Tablespoons butter, melted
* To make Buttermilk
1 scant cup whole milk
1 tablespoon white vinegar or lemon juice
To make buttermilk:
Measure 1 scant cup of milk. Stir in 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar.
Let the mixture stand at room temperature for 5 to 10 minutes. When it is ready, the milk will be slightly thickened and you will see small curdled bits. This substitute will not become as thick as regular buttermilk
Mix all dry ingredients in a large bowl well with a whisk: the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. In a separate bowl, mix all wet ingredients: the buttermilk, vanilla, egg, and melted butter.
Add the wet to the dry and stir with a spatula until the dry ingredients have incorporated. There may still be a few lumps. Do not over-mix, or pancakes will become tough.
Preheat a nonstick pan or lightly grease a griddle over medium-high heat at 375 degrees F.
Tip: Test the temperature by dropping a drop of water on the surface of the pan. Water will dance across the surface when at the correct temperature. Test one pancake.
Pour one 1/4 cup scoop of batter onto the griddle for each pancake. Add any fresh fruit, such as bananas or blueberries, at this time. You will see bubbles form on the top side when brown on the bottom, flip, and brown on the second side.
Serve hot with syrup or your favorite topping.
