Ricotta Pancakes

I can't resist sharing this amazing ricotta pancake recipe with you and hope that you make some of these light, fluffy, and perfectly soft pancakes as a Saturday or Sunday brunch this weekend.  Top it off with maple or homemade vanilla syrup and a side of mixed berries and you have yourself an amazing meal!  

homemade vanilla syrup 

Ricotta Pancakes:
from Food and Wine

Mix together in a small bowl:
1 1/2 cups of flour
1 tsp baking powder
1 1/2 tsp salt

In a large bowl, mix:
3 egg yolks (put the egg whites in a stand mixer or a separate bowl to whip until soft peaks have formed)
1 3/4 cup plus 2 Tbs milk
1/2 cup plus 2 Tbs of ricotta cheese (or 6 oz)
1/4 cup sugar
1 Tbs vanilla extract

Add flour mixture to egg/milk/cheese mixture and whisk until batter is smooth.  Add whipped egg whites and fold in until no streaks remain.  Cook on a heated griddle until golden brown.  Top with vanilla syrup.

Vanilla Syrup:
recipe from a fabulous friend

2 sticks of butter
2 cups of sugar
2/3 cup evaporated milk
1 Tbs vanilla

Melt the butter in a saucepan on medium high heat.  Add the sugar and stir until mixed completely and continue stirring until mixture begins to boil.  Let boil for a minute or so then add the evaporated milk.  Continue stirring another 30 seconds or so.  Turn down the heat and stir in the vanilla.  Remove from heat and gorge yourself in this caramel-like syrup.