Bluejacks (Buttermilk Pancakes)

One day an envelope arrived in our mailbox addressed to my daughter. Inside was a cute little businessman named Flat Stanley (sent by my 7-year-old nephew Hunter). He came with a note saying we should keep him for about a month and take photos of him when we go places, then return him along with the photos (a class project). I've discovered while photographing Flat Stanley around town that many of you are already acquainted with him. While clicking my camera, I often hear "Hey, Flat Stanley!" and look up to see a full grown adult with a goofy little grin on their face.

During Flat Stan's visit with us, we've realized a few things about the little guy. 1) He always has a smile on his face and never an unkind word about anyone. 2) He always dresses for success, even at the beach or pool. And 3) he loves the whole flat lifestyle, including flat foods (like pizza, crackers, bologna, cookies and pancakes). So we made these "flatjacks" to show our appreciation (we're so honored he chose to come stay with us).

Flat Stanley was very hands-on for the making of these. He even had the bright idea to mix blueberries directly into the batter...the result, as you can see, blue pancakes (oh Flat Stanley, you wild and crazy guy)!

BLUEJACKS (BUTTERMILK PANCAKES)

Yield: 12 large pancakes

2 cups all-purpose flour (or 1 cup all-purpose flour + 1 cup whole wheat pastry flour)

1/4 cup sugar

2 teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon salt

2 1/4 cups buttermilk

4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) butter, melted and slightly cooled

2 eggs

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1 1/2 to 2 cups frozen wild Maine blueberries (omit for plain "flatjacks")

1.      Combine flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt in a medium bowl.

2.      In a large bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Add the flour mixture and whisk until smooth. Add the blueberries and stir until your batter is a lovely shade of purple. Or you can just sprinkle the blueberries on top of the batter after you pour it on the griddle (it's way more boring, but you can do it).

3.      Heat a large non-stick griddle or skillet over medium heat. Pour about 1/3 cup batter onto the griddle. Cook until you see bubbles on the surface. Carefully flip the pancake using a large, wide spatula. Continue cooking until golden brown on both sides.

Flat Stanley mixing the plain batter

plain batter cooking on the griddle
(It's not necessary to grease the non-stick griddle.)

pancakes flipped (that one in the back was flipped a little prematurely)

nice, fluffy stack...but aren't they missing something?

the missing oomph: frozen wild Maine blueberries

You can try fresh (I do believe fresh is better),
but I can't guarantee they'll "bleed" the same color.

We could see right away that something exciting was happening.

Even more beautiful than Flat Stanley had anticipated!

bluejacks cooking

bluejacks flipped

bluejacks with pure maple syrup

Go ahead, have another one...they're only a little flattening!

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