Shrove Tuesday Pancakes

I got home tonight without a supper plan and found my refrigerator nearly empty. (Crazy day...probably like yours.) We talked about going out somewhere but it's quite a drive to anywhere from our house. Then I remembered today is Shrove Tuesday or Pancake Tuesday. The Episcopal church in town is having a pancake supper tonight. So I thought that would be the obvious supper for us, too. It was quick and easy.

I didn't want to make my usual Bisquick version. Seemed like Shrove Tuesday called for more. And even with my groceries running low, I had milk (only the canned kind), eggs, butter and flour. Here is how I made our homemade pancakes. Not much more effort than a pancake mix. And SO much better. Goodbye, Bisquick! Goodbye, Aunt Jemima!

These are a little thinner than the restaurant kind. But they are tender and flavorful. Granddaddy was very happy with his supper.

Homemade Pancakes

1 cup all-purpose flour, (spooned and leveled)
2 tablespoons sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup evaporated milk*
1/2 cup water*
2 tablespoons butter, melted
1 large egg
1/4 teaspoon vanilla

vegetable oil for the griddle (about 1 tablespoon)

In a small bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

In a medium bowl, whisk together milk, butter, egg, and vanilla. Add dry ingredients to milk mixture; whisk until just moistened. (Do not overmix; a few small lumps are okay.)

Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium to low. Lightly oil griddle, using a paper towel to spread the oil. Pour about 1/4 cup batter (for each pancake) onto griddle. Cook until surface of pancakes have some bubbles and a few have burst. Flip carefully with a spatula, and cook until browned on the underside. Remove to plate. Serve warm, with butter and maple syrup.

Serves 4 (or 2 hungry people.) Makes about 12 pancakes.

*Or use 1 cup milk in place of evaporated milk and water


You can put the cooked pancakes on a baking sheet or heatproof platter and keep them in a barely warm oven (200 degrees) and keep them warm until you've cooked all of them