Banana Pancakes with Nutmeg Syrup

 
Banana pancakes are my all time favorite pancake.  However, not one person in my family likes them.  Everyone prefers blueberry, and every time I suggest making banana pancakes I get a resounding "NO!"  While this does disappoint me on occasion, it truly is for the best since it's really not something I should indulge in too often.  Penny Cluse in Burlington, VT is one of our favorite breakfast spots, and they serve to-die-for banana pancakes.  So, since no one ever wants me to make them at home, it is comforting to know I can still enjoy them anytime I want.

On this day however, I happened to be alone on a Sunday morning, which almost never happens.  As I pondered what I'd make for breakfast, I spotted the bananas on my counter.  It was in that moment that I realized I could actually make my own banana pancakes AND enjoy them without protests from my family!  Whoo hoo!!  This opportunity may never come around again, so I made a few extra and froze them (that's me - always thinking ahead).  If you get nothing else from this blog post, try a little nutmeg in your maple syrup - it sends any pancake over the top, especially banana pancakes!

Banana Pancakes with Warm Nutmeg Maple Syrup (makes 6 large pancakes)

3/4 cup milk
2 tbsp white vinegar
2 tbsp butter, melted
1 tsp vanilla
1 egg
1 cup flour
2 tbsp sugar
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
2 small bananas, mashed

1/2 cup maple syrup
1/8 tsp nutmeg, freshly ground

Heat griddle on medium high heat and spray with cooking spray.  Mix the vinegar with the milk and set aside for 5 minutes.  In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt.  Whisk the egg, vanilla and butter into the milk mixture, then add it to the dry ingredients.  Mix until just combined and lumps are gone.  Stir in the mashed bananas.

In a small saucepan, add the syrup & stir in the nutmeg - warm on low heat.  Pour batter onto griddle in whatever size pancakes you like (small, medium or large).  You'll know it's time to turn them when bubbles start to form and the one side is a nice golden brown.  Remove when cooked thru, and serve with the nutmeg maple syrup.