Buttermilk-Bacon Pancakes with Bourbon-Maple Syrup

Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 20 minutes •Serves: 8

Bourbon-Maple Syrup

Buttermilk-Bacon Pancakes

1.Prepare Bourbon-Maple Syrup: In small saucepot, heat whiskey to simmering over low heat; cook 2 minutes. Stir in syrup and butter and heat 2 minutes; keep warm. Makes about 1 cup.

2.Prepare Buttermilk-Bacon Pancakes: Preheat oven to 350°. On rimmed baking pan, place bacon in single layer; bake 12 to 14 minutes or until crisp. Transfer bacon to paper towel-lined plate to cool. Once cool, coarsely chop bacon.

3.Meanwhile, in small microwave-safe bowl, heat butter in microwave oven on high 40 to 45 seconds or until butter melts. In large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt. In medium bowl, whisk together eggs, buttermilk, milk and 2½ tablespoons melted butter. Fold buttermilk mixture into flour mixture; do not over mix. Makes about 4 cups.

4.Preheat nonstick skillet or flattop griddle over medium heat; lightly coat with remaining melted butter. Using a 1/4-cup measuring cup, pour batter onto griddle, leaving enough space between each pancake to allow for spreading; evenly sprinkle some bacon onto pancakes. Cook pancakes 4 to 6 minutes or until golden brown, flipping once. Serve immediately with maple syrup and additional butter, if desired.

Approximate nutritional values per serving (2 pancakes with 2 tablespoons syrup):
417 Calories, 19g Fat (11g Saturated), 97mg Cholesterol,
635mg Sodium, 44g Carbohydrates, 1g Fiber, 11g Protein

Chef Tips:
To freeze pancakes, place cooled pancakes in single layer on cookie sheet and freeze 10 minutes. Pancakes can then be placed in freezer-proof zip-top bags and frozen. Reheat frozen pancakes in a toaster or microwave oven.

Instead of adding chopped bacon to pancakes, try serving pancakes layered with whole bacon strips.