Finding Contentment

The great pancake debacle

In an effort to replace cold cereal, I have been trying to feed my family a hot breakfast several mornings a week. However, meat is expensive and everyone was getting tired of eggs. My husband suggested pancakes, but I have never made a pancake before in my life. Mark gallantly offered to cook them.

Later, the sound of constant grumbling from the kitchen caused me to hurry in to see what was wrong. There were four dirty skillets on the stove! Two stainless steel, one cast iron, and one teflon I didn't even know I still had! In response to my questioning, Hubby explained that the first pancake in every pan would come out fine, but the second and third were always burnt. Every time he sprayed the pan with oil more than once, the oil would instantly turn black - and so would the resulting pancake.

Convinced I could do better, I gave it a shot. Imagine my surprise when I got the same results! I have to admit, I gave up at that point. But Mark kept right on trying and said he believes he discovered the problem. He thinks the pans were too hot. He ended up turning the heat down to a point where water would just barely "dance" in the pan. In other words, a drop of water would do a waltz instead of the latest fast dance. The resulting pancakes weren't perfect but they were much better, and we ate them with glee.

Here's the burnt ones, along with the unburnt ones - which for some reason were very thin.

And here is Adam enjoying them on a Star Wars plate!

I'm shocked!

04:30 PM, Wednesday, June 27, 2007 .. Posted by Cindeerella

Never made a pancake?! Wow! How did you manage that? lol
Yes, your pan was definitely too hot. They need to cook on a lower heat so they get done on the inside without burning the outside.
Next you have to try Johnny Cakes. The recipe is on the side of the box of 'Jiffy' cornbread. Super easy and Yumm-o !

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11:16 PM, Wednesday, June 27, 2007 .. Posted by meme21713

they look great...yummy!!!!!! I have to admit I use mix straight out the box...lol...not error there huh? Debbie

Next stop....IHOP chef!!

10:09 PM, Friday, June 29, 2007 .. Posted by Anonymous

We do pancakes regularly- cheap, quick and a filler!! They can be tricky but sounds like your dh discovered the problem. I get too impatient and keep turning the temp up only to burn them too. If you pancakes are too thin, it's because the batter is too runny, try adding more mix to it. That is assuming that you are using a pancake mix and not doing scratch.
btw, I am on the secret sister list and going thru the list to see everyone's blogs that is also in the group. Enjoying your blog!
Blessings,
Adena
aka cre82learn

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03:21 PM, Sunday, September 9, 2007 .. Posted by Anonymous

I have nly tried pancakes from scratch twice..did you find a recipe that you really liked?

I tried one in Winter that was Eggnog pancakes..it turned out pretty good. If you would like the recipe I can send it on to you.