The perfect pancake

You know how when you make pancakes, the first few aren't as good as the rest, and only right at the end of the batch will they really start to be great-looking, light, and fluffy? Well, it turns out that there are two reasons for that. First, the chemical reaction in the baking soda takes a while to really get going, so if you don't let the batter sit for 10 or 15 minutes before you start, the first pancakes won't fully rise. And really, who has an extra 10 or 15 minutes when their kids are begging for something to eat?

The second reason? Because God is rewarding you for standing there making hot pancakes for fussy kids while your coffee gets cold. The last pancake, the perfect pancake, is for you.

Aww I like that! I never knew about letting the batter sit.. I will try that.

I was taught that you ALWAYS throw the first one away.. not sure why.. but I still do it.

I use a knock-off recipe of IHOP's pancakes and they mention letting the batter sit. Or as Alton Brown says, "Just walk away."

I never knew that! But Tim makes the pancakes (mine look more like panmesses.. lol) so I will ask him if he knew about letting them sit. But I do love the ending.

Wow, you learn something new every day

Thanks!

That actually makes sense now that you mention the baking soda thing. When you make bread you have to walk away from it as well to let the dough rise. Sounds like a similar sort of chemical reaction taking place.

hmmm....people actually cook pancakes? Mine come frozen.