How to Make Perfect Pancakes

There's often nothing more satisfying that a warm, fluffy pancake melting on your palette in the morning. Whether you're a plain Jane who appreciates the basic pancake or a fancy Freddy who can't get enough extras, these tips will help you create an unforgettable pancake.

Skip the Boxed Cakes
Pancakes are literally one of the easiest things to make from scratch. Not to mention, the ingredients required are probably items already stowed away in your cupboards. So instead of those boxed pancakes that have been sitting for who knows how long, opt for some good old homemade flapjacks.

Mix-Ins and Toppers
A plain pancake is always a treat, but a few mix-in's and toppings can really make all the difference. Try some of these ideas for a sweet treat:

- Banana Nut pancakes: Crush a few walnuts and slice a few bananas, then add the two ingredients to your pancake batter. Top your pancakes with a few fresh slices of banana, add syrup and enjoy.

- Ricotta Cheese pancakes: Add a few tablespoons of ricotta cheese to your pancake batter for an extra creamy and filling pancake.

- Apple Cinnamon pancakes: Throw in a dash of cinnamon and a few finely sliced apples to your batter. The infused cinnamon and crisp apples will keep a happy smile on your face until the last bite.

- Toppings: You can top your pancakes off with anything your heart desires. Chocolate chips? Why not? Blueberry jam? Of course! Mounds of whipped cream? The world would be a better place.

Prep Work Tips
Turn your stove onto a medium to low heat. The perfect pancake cooks slowly. This promotes a soft and fluffy texture and prevents any burning. Once the pan has warmed up, grease it up a bit. You can add a thin sheen of cooking spray or rub a stick of butter on the pan.

Pouring Techniques
Always pour your pancakes one at a time if you're using a regular stove-top skillet. This gives the pancake plenty of space to spread out and also prevents any messes when it comes to flipping. If you have a griddle, space the pancakes out so there is 3 to 4 inches between each. Also, make sure the poured amount is controllable. You want to make sure your flipper can fit underneath and flip the pancake with ease.

The Art of Flipping
Cooking pancakes takes a bit of patience. Once you've poured your batter, the key is to wait until tiny bubbles start appearing on top of the pancake. The bubbles (or holes) mean that your pancake is cooking through. If you suspect your pancake is ready to flip, tuck your flipper under one corner and lift up. If the underside is golden brown, you're ready to flip. Quickly slide the flipper under the entire pancake, lift, and gracefully rotate your hand to flip the pancake. After a few minutes, check the underside again, transfer onto a plate and devour.