Why Buttermilk? Once the acids in the buttermilk come into contact with the baking soda or baking powder in the batter, a giant fizz-fest takes place. The reaction with the baking soda (or powder) cancels out the sourness of the buttermilk, leaving our baked goods airy, tender, and tasty beyond reckoning.
No Buttermilk? No problem, make your own. Read the recipe below:
Buttermilk Apple 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 milk
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 egg, beaten
3 Tablespoons sweet butter (unsalted), melted
1 Granny Smith Apple, peeled, cored, and chopped small
* To make Buttermilk
1 scant cup of 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.
In a large bowl, mix together well with a whisk of all dry ingredients; flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar—in a separate bowl, mix all wet ingredients; the milk, 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. If adding any fresh fruit such as apples, bananas, or blueberries, add 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.
