Apple Pancakes with Spicy Yogurt and Cider Syrup
Cider syrup is simply an apple cider reduction. The apple cider is cooked down
to a thick amber syrup, which concentrated the natural sugar and rich apple
flavor. Because this recipe starts with a pancake mix, it is quick and easy.
Purchase a whole-wheat mix that requires adding eggs and milk, not the complete
just-add-water type. Use homemade applesauce or the chuncky commercial style.
Great for a weekend brunch!
6 cups apple cider
1 cup plain yogurt
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
6 tablespoons chuncky applesauce
2 cup wholewheat pancake mix
2 cup skim milk
2 egg, slightly beaten (or 1 whole egg plus one egg white)
6 tablespoons chuncky applesauce
Canola oil
Extra cinnamon for Garnish
Start by making the syrup; pour the cider in a pot that is large enough to be no
more than half filled. Place the pan over high heat, and bring to a boil. Reduce
the heat to medium, very slow boil, and cook for about 30 minutes. Cook until
the cider is reduced to one cup. Set aside. (Syrup can be made in advance. Keeps
for about one week in the refrigerator. Warm or bring to room temperature before
serving.) Next, in a small bowl, combine yogurt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and 6
tablespoons applesauce. Refrigerate until ready to serve. In a large bowl,
combine milk, eggs, and 6 tablespoons applesauce. Stir in pancake mix. Mix well
enough to moisten, do not over mix. If the batter is too thick add a little
water. Heat a large non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. When skillet
is hot, lightly grease. Add batter, making medium pancakes, about 1/2 cup batter
per pancake. Cook until tiny bubbles form on top, peek under the edge, turn when
panckae is golden brown and continue to cook. Place on a platter and keep
pancakes and 4 serving plates warm in a heated oven. To serve; fan (slightly
overlap) 5 pancakes on a warm plate. Drizzle Cider Syrup over the pancakes
(about 1/2 cup) and top with a dollop of spiced Yogurt, garnish with an
additional sprinkle of cinnamon. Yield 4 servings.