American Pancakes

American or Canadian pancakes (sometimes called hotcakes, griddlecakes, or flapjacks in the U.S.) are Scotch pancakes which contain a raising agent such as baking powder; proportions of eggs, flour, and milk or buttermilk create a thick batter. Sugar and spices such as cinnamon, vanilla and nutmeg are added. This batter is ladled or poured onto a hot surface, and spreads to form a circle about ¼ or ? inch (1 cm) thick. The raising agent causes bubbles to rise to the uncooked side, when the pancake is flipped. These pancakes, very light in texture, are served at breakfast topped with syrup, butter, peanut butter, jelly, jam, fruit or honey. In the Southern United States, cane syrup and molasses have also been common toppings. Some pancake recipes call for yogurt to give the pancakes a moist consistency. North American pancakes can be made sweet or savory by adding ingredients such as blueberries, strawberries, cheese, bacon, bananas, apples or chocolate chips to the batter. In addition, some recipes add spices such as nutmeg or cinnamon, or flavoring agents such as vanilla extract. A "silver dollar" pancake refers to a pancake about three inches (7 cm) in diameter these are served in portions of five or ten. Sourdough was used by prospectors and pioneers to make sourdough pancakes without having to purchase yeast. Prospectors would carry a pot of sourdough to make pancakes and bread as it could last indefinitely, needing only flour and water to replenish it. Sourdough pancakes are now a particular specialty in Alaska. "German Pancakes" or Dutch baby pancakes served in American pancake houses are bowl-shaped. They are eaten with lemons and powdered sugar, jam, or caramelized apples. Mexican hotcakes, are similar to US pancakes. Hotcakes are often made with cornmeal as well as, or instead of wheat flour. Hotcakes are popular breakfast items at restaurants throughout the country, and are often sold by street vendors in cities and during the local celebrations of towns through the day and evening; the vendors sell a single hotcake topped with different sauces such as condensed milk, fruit jam or a sweet goat milk spread called "cajeta"..This is my all time favorite cake.