Bake a Lemon Puff Pancake this weekend
Long holiday weekends call for special family breakfasts. They’re a time to relax, read the newspaper and stir up a new family recipe together. If pancakes have been your Saturday standby, keep up the tradition with a new twist. This Lemon Puff Pancake is simple to prepare and dramatic to serve piping hot, right out of the oven. Believe me, your mouths will be watering when it comes to the table. And don’t be surprised if everyone’s lips pucker up a bit with the tang of an easy-to-make fresh lemon sauce drizzled on top.
Lemon Surprise Sauce
Combine ½ cup granulated sugar and ½ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice in a small saucepan. Cook on low heat until the sugar dissolves, stirring occasionally. Set aside.
Ingredients for Basic Oven Pancake
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup skim or whole milk
1 tablespoon sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
4 eggs
1/2 tablespoon butter
1 tablespoon sifted powdered sugar (optional)
How to Prepare It
Preheat oven to 425 F.
Let one of your kids measure the flour, milk, sugar and salt in a large mixing bowl. Meanwhile, let another child count and crack the eggs in a separate bowl. Inspect it to be sure there are no remaining shell pieces, and then add the eggs to the large bowl. Beat the mixture until smooth with an electric mixer at medium-high speed. Place in the freezer for a few minutes.
Measure butter into a 10-inch cast-iron or ovenproof skillet. An adult should place it in the oven until the skillet is hot and the butter sizzles.
Pour batter into the skillet and place it back in the oven for 25-30 minutes.
Remove the pancake from the oven when it is puffy, firm and golden-brown on the edges. (Keep the oven door closed until done.)
Immediately drizzle Lemon Surprise Sauce over the puffy pancake. Sift powdered sugar on top, and serve in wedges.
Serves 4-6.
Shortcut Finishing Touches
Instead of the lemon sauce, try these alternatives.
•Drizzle fresh lemon juice from half a lemon, and then sprinkle powdered sugar on top.
•Add fresh fruit such as berries, grapes and kiwi slices.
•Spoon fruit-flavored yogurt, nuts and honey on top.