Looking Good Hotcakes!

When the temperatures outside are subzero (high of 8 degrees today), personally I don't want to do anything but stay in, cook a hot meal and watch a good movie.  My kitties were certainly happy I spent the evening at home for once, and they're so incredibly warm and cozy!  So on my menu for this evening?  Pancakes and Pride and Prejudice.  Excellent decision, I may say.

I was inspired by my friend Kira last night, who mentioned pancakes and how she had never made them from scratch.  For shame!  ;-)  Pancakes are incredibly easy to make, and with this recipe, you can't get them wrong.  Light, fluffy, and absolutely delicious!  This recipe is appropriately named "Perfect Pancakes" from Isa Chandra Moskowitz's Vegan Brunch.  I will say it again, and surely it won't be the last.  I love Isa!  This book is one of my favorites.  You can purchase it here.

Perfect Pancakes
Makes 8 4-5 inch pancakes

1 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, but really...don't skip!)
2 tablespoon canola oil
1/3 cup water
1 to 1 1/4 cup plain non-dairy milk
2 tablespoon pure maple syrup
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Cooking spray

Preheat a large skillet over medium heat for at least 2 minutes (and up to 5 minutes).

In a large bowl, sift together the slour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.  Make a well in the center and add the oil, water, milk, maple syrup, and vanilla.  Mix just until ingredients are just combined.  Do not overmix!  A few lumps in the batter are just fine.  (If you overmix, the pancakes will become thin, tough, and rubbery.  The less you mix, the thicker and fluffier they will be!)

Spray the pan with a light coat of cooking spray (or a very light coat of oil).  Pour pancakes one at a time and cook until bubbles form and the top looks somewhat dry (about 3 minutes).  Flip over and cook for another minute.  Serve!