A Simple Pancake Recipe for the New Cook!

Cooking is a wonderful skill for us to practice, learn and enjoy! It helps us understand the basics of nutrition, enhances our math and reading skills, and fosters creativity. One of the easiest and most fun recipes for us to start with is pancakes. This classic breakfast dish is simple, quick, and allows for plenty of delicious variations. Here’s a step-by-step guide to making fluffy pancakes that even young chefs can master.

Ingredients

- 1 cup all-purpose flour

- 2 tablespoons sugar

- 1 tablespoon baking powder

- 1/2 teaspoon salt

- 1 cup milk

- 1 large egg

- 2 tablespoons melted butter or vegetable oil

- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

- Butter or oil for cooking

Equipment

- Large mixing bowl

- Measuring cups and spoons

- Whisk or fork

- Large skillet or griddle

- Spatula

- Ladle or large spoon

Instructions

 1. Gather Your Ingredients and Equipment

Make sure you have everything you need before you start. This helps ensure you don’t forget any steps or ingredients.

 2. Mix the Dry Ingredients

   In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons of sugar, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Use a whisk or fork to mix them together thoroughly. This step helps to evenly distribute the baking powder, which will make your pancakes nice and fluffy.

 3. Prepare the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl or large measuring cup, pour in 1 cup of milk. Crack in 1 large egg, then add 2 tablespoons of melted butter or vegetable oil. For a little extra flavor, you can add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract if you like. Whisk these wet ingredients together until they are well combined.

4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

 Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Gently stir them together with a whisk or fork. Be careful not to over-mix; it’s okay if there are a few small lumps in the batter. Over-mixing can make the pancakes tough instead of light and fluffy.

5. Preheat the Skillet

Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Once it’s hot, lightly grease it with a small amount of butter or oil. You can use a paper towel to spread it evenly and remove any excess.

6. Cook the Pancakes

Using a ladle or large spoon, pour small amounts of batter onto the skillet to form pancakes. Each pancake should be about 4 inches in diameter. Cook until bubbles form on the surface and the edges look set, for about 2-3 minutes. Flip the pancakes with a spatula and cook for another 1-2 minutes on the other side, until golden brown.

7. Serve and Enjoy

Transfer the cooked pancakes to a plate and keep them warm while you cook the rest of the batter. Serve the pancakes warm with your favorite toppings. Classic options include butter and syrup, but you can also add fresh fruit, whipped cream, chocolate chips, or even a sprinkle of powdered sugar.

Tips for Success

- Be Patient: Cooking pancakes on medium heat ensures they cook through without burning.

- Customize: Add blueberries, chocolate chips, or banana slices to the batter for fun variations.

- Safety First: Always cook under supervision. Make sure there is an adult with you in the kitchen, especially when using the stove.

This simple pancake recipe is a great starting point for young chefs to build confidence and enjoy the rewards of our culinary efforts. Happy cooking!