The Chefs Black Book

Pancakes from International House of Pancakes®

Even though the early press runs of Top Secret Recipes excluded
buttermilk in this recipe -- a very important ingredient if you
really want pourable batter -- many figured out the missing
ingredient on their own and the error was quickly corrected in
later copies. Now we just like to call those copies of the book
the "Collector's Editions." For any of you who were lucky enough
to get one of the "Collector's Editions" we'd liked to say
"Congratulations!" Now here's the recipe, in its entirety, to
make pancakes just like those served every day at IHOP.

Nonstick Spray
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 egg
1 1/4 cups buttermilk
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 heaping teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 cup cooking oil
pinch of salt

1. Preheat a skillet over medium heat. Use a pan with a nonstick
surface or apply a little nonstick spray.
2. In a blender or with a mixer, combine all of the remaining
ingredients until smooth.
3. Pour the batter by spoonfuls into the hot pan, forming 5-inch
circles.
4. When the edges appear to harden, flip the pancakes. They should
be golden brown.
5. Cook pancakes on the other side for same amount of time, until
golden brown.
Makes 8 to 10 pancakes.

International House of Pancakes® Pumpkin Pancakes

During the holiday season this particular pancake flavor sells
like...well, you know. It's one of 16 varieties of pancakes
served at this national casual diner chain. You can make your
own version of these delicious flapjacks with a little canned
pumpkin, some spices and traditional buttermilk pancake ingredients.
Get out the mixer, fire up the stove, track down the syrup.

2 eggs
1 1/4 cups buttermilk
4 tablespoons butter, melted
3 tablespoons canned pumpkin
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon allspice

1. Preheat a skillet over medium heat. Coat pan with oil cooking
spray.
2. Combine eggs, buttermilk, butter, pumpkin, sugar, and salt in
a large bowl. Use an electric mixer to blend ingredients.
3. Combine remaining ingredients in a small bowl. Add dry
ingredients to wet ingredients and blend with mixer until smooth.
4. Pour the batter in 1/4 cup portions into the hot pan. Should
form 5-inch circles.
4. When the batter stops bubbling and edges begin to harden,
flip the pancakes. They should be dark brown. This will take
from 1 to 2 minutes.
5. Flip the pancakes and cook other side for the same amount
of time, until dark brown.
Serves 3 to 4

I.H.O.P.® Country Griddle Cakes

This nationwide chain, which is known for it's big bargain
breakfasts, serves an impressive number of non-breakfast
items as well. In 1997, I.H.O.P. dished out over 6 million
pounds of french fries and over half a million gallons of
soft drinks. But it's the Country Griddle Cakes on the breakfast
menu that inspired this Top Secret Recipe. The unique flavor
and texture of this clone comes from the Cream of Wheat in the
batter. Now you can have your pancakes, and eat your cereal too.
nonstick spray

1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups buttermilk
1/3 cup instant Cream of Wheat (dry)
1 egg
1/3 cup sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1/2 teaspoon salt

1. Preheat a skillet over medium heat. Apply nonstick spray.
2. Combine all ingredients in a large bowl with a mixer set on
high speed. Mix until smooth.
3. Pour the batter by 1/3-cup portions into the hot pan and cook
pancakes for 1-2 minutes per side or until brown. Repeat with
remaining batter.
Makes 8-10 pancakes.