How to Make Pancake House Pancakes at Home

Every Sunday morning the line of people at our favorite pancake house restaurant, spills into the parking lot.  But no one seems to mind because soon they will be enjoying a stack of light, fluffy pancakes smothered in butter and maple syrup... reading the morning newspaper and laughing with their friends and family.

Ahhh...yes.  Visiting our local restaurant for Sunday morning pancakes was a special treat that my Gorgeous Man and I used to do... until I became allergic to wheat that is... sigh.  Yes, those were the days.  But now... 

HALLELUJAH!  We have seen the LIGHT!   

It's true.  My Gorgeous Man and I have become "enlightened."  Now, we travel on the pathway of gourmet gluten-free delights.  It has been a wild-adventure learning how to cook and bake gluten-free; but when I create a lovely recipe like this; even our "wheat-loving" family and friends join in the gluten-free fun.  In fact, everyone who has tried my new Pancake House Pancakes actually PREFERS these pancakes over their usual wheat pancakes ~ Wahooo!  (I knew they would if they'd just give this recipe a try.)
Celebrate breakfast today with a big batch of these wonderful pancakes (hotcakes, griddle cakes or whatever you want to call these yummy pancakes!) 

Lynn's Pancake House Pancakes (Gluten-Free)
Pancake House Pancakes are light, fluffy and absolutely delicious.  No one will guess that these yummy pancakes are gluten and dairy-free; but beware; these will fly off plates quicker than you can fill them. 

Ingredients:
1 cup of my Gluten-Free Party Cookie Mix 
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
1 cup milk of your choice
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon honey
3/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract 

Gimme Gluten Free Method:
1.  Preheat griddle according to the manufacturer's directions.  If you do not have a griddle, preheat a non-stick skillet over medium heat.  As you cook your pancakes, watch the heat closely so your skillet does not get too hot.
2.  In a large bowl whisk together until well combined, the Gluten-Free Party Cookie Mix, baking powder, baking soda and salt.
3.  Add the milk, eggs, honey and pure vanilla extract.  Whisk until smooth and well-blended.
4.  Brush the pre-heated griddle or skillet with coconut oil (my favorite) or vegetable oil or ghee to coat it well.  For each pancake pour a scant 1/4 cup of batter onto the hot griddle, making 4-inch pancakes, about an inch apart.  

Let the pancakes cook until the tops have some bubbles on them.  Now watch, the bubbles will start to pop and will leave a little "hole" where the bubble popped; this is a sign that the pancakes are getting ready to flip over.  The edges of the pancake will start to look done and your pancakes should be a delicious golden-brown color on the bottom.  (You can peek ~ Lift the edge of a pancake up gently with your spatula and take a look.)  
5.  Flip the pancakes over and cook until done.  Serve immediately with butter, or your favorite dairy-free spread and warm maple syrup.  Makes eight yummy pancakes.

Questions and Answers

Q:  Why are you using a Gluten-Free Party Cookie Mix to make pancakes?
A:  My "Party Cookie Mix" is actually not sweet at all; it's simply a blend of gluten-free flours that you mix up yourself.  I adore this blend; it is perfect for baking cakes, cookies, pancakes and muffins. 

Q:  Lynn, what milk do you use?
A:  I use refrigerated coconut milk since I want my pancakes to be dairy free.  The pancakes turn out light and delicious and there is no coconut flavor.

Q:  Can I leave out the honey?
A:  No.  The pancakes need a little bit of sweetening in order to turn that lovely golden brown color.  If you prefer, you can substitute 2 teaspoons of pure maple syrup, agave or granulated sugar for the honey.

Q:  Why do you have vanilla extract in your pancakes?
A:  Pure vanilla extract is the "secret ingredient" in many restaurant pancake recipes!  You can increase the vanilla  to 1 teaspoon if you like.  Be sure to use a high-quality PURE VANILLA EXTRACT.  If you only have that fake stuff (imitation vanilla extract) then for heaven's sake, leave it out.  Fake vanilla will give a harsh, unpleasant taste to the pancakes.  Keep it real!

Q:  I want to eat these pancakes for dinner, is that okay?
A:  Yes.  Pancakes are wonderful anytime ~ day or night.  ENJOY!

"I will praise You, O LORD, with my whole heart,

I will tell of all Your marvelous works,

I will rejoice and be glad in You;

I will sing praise to Your Name, O Most High."  

Psalm 9:1-2