Pancakes

Guide Note

Pancakes are a buttery breakfast food, made by grilling a thin batter on both sides. Plain pancakes can be made in several sizes, though cakes with a five to six inch diameter are the standard.

Fast Facts

1. AKA: Hotcakes, Flapjacks, Griddlecakes
2. Ingredients and serving styles vary by country
3. Common American toppings: Maple Syrup, Butter and Fruit
4. Pancake Day or Shrove Tuesday: British holiday where citizens run down the street tossing pancakes
5. Austrian pancakes, like some French crepes, contain jam, chocolate and even ice cream

1. Flapjacks: Thin, wide pancake with crispy edges and a chewy center.
2. Fruit Pancakes: American restaurants frequently include fruit in the batter before grilling. Blueberries, bananas and strawberries are common. Some restaurants serve flavored syrups to complement the fruit and pancake flavors.
3. Dessert Pancakes: Though still served as breakfast entrees, pancakes can include chocolate chips, cinnamon and powdered sugar to make the dish sweeter and highlight the more savory aspects of the pancakes themselves.