Fluffy Pancakes with Honey Syrup

I wanted to make some pancakes the other day from scratch. I like to make things from scratch because then I know exactly what's in it. I think I have kind of a "control freak" problem with cooking. But I keep a pretty healthy diet that way it seems. I'm definitely not a health nut but I like to get into good eating habits.

I came across a recipe for fluffy pancakes and made them. They turned out pretty darn good, too. I wanted to make buttermilk pancakes but I didn't have any buttermilk. No worries, though; You pretty much make your own buttermilk for this recipe and use that. The original recipe didn't call for vanilla though, but I think vanilla is always necessary in pancakes. :) They didn't turn out like cardboard (which is the first sign that you're doing something right), and weren't too salty. I can't stand overly salty pancakes.
 ♥ I usually make pretty big pancakes. I halved the recipe and it made 2 nice big pancakes. If you have two people who like big pancakes I would say make this original recipe. If you're just making them for yourself just half the recipe and you'll be good. ♥
*Tip: How I halved the egg: crack and egg into a bowl and beat it. Then just pour half of it into the mix.

When I was done I realized that I didn't have any maple syrup. Uh-oh! So I decided to try and whip up some kind of sweet syrup to drench these bad boys in. I came up with the idea to microwave some honey and butter together and use that. It wasn't nearly as thick as maple syrup but it tasted really good, and I actually liked the fact that it soaked into the cakes and flavored the whole thing.

Milk and vinegar...the key to makeshift buttermilk

Honey and butter, before microwaving

Fluffy From-Scratch Pancakes
INGREDIENTS:

• 3/4 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons white vinegar
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons white sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 egg
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• cooking spray (I used olive oil, but you could use butter to grease the griddle, too)

HOW-TO:

1. Combine milk with vinegar in a medium bowl and set aside for 5 minutes to "sour".
2. Combine flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large mixing bowl. Whisk egg and butter into "soured" milk. Add vanilla. Pour the flour mixture into the wet ingredients and whisk until lumps are gone.
3. Heat a large skillet over medium heat, and coat with cooking spray. Pour 1/4 cupfuls of batter onto the skillet, and cook until bubbles appear on the surface. Flip with a spatula, and cook until browned on the other side.

Honey-Butter Syrup
INGREDIENTS:

• Honey
• Butter 

HOW-TO:

1. Put some honey in a bowl with a little bit of butter.
2. Microwave for about 20 seconds.
3. Pour over pancakes.

Naked fluffies