Lemon Ricotta Pancakes

"Any chance you could use up some of that ricotta cheese that's in the fridge?" my Dad asked as I was pouring over my cookbooks trying to plan a Saturday brunch to celebrate my Mom's birthday.  I immediately put my cookbooks down.  "Do you have any fresh lemons?" I asked as I reached for my laptop.  He shook his head yes and I knew I was onto something.  Inspired by one of my favorite cookies, the lemon ricotta cookie, I thought there must be some recipe out there that was already created that transformed light lemony ricotta cookies into a delicious pancake.  A quick google search showed that Bobby Flay and I were on the same wavelength and lemon ricotta pancakes were officially going to be making an appearance at the breakfast table. 

The pancakes themselves are very simple to make.  Utilizing pretty basic ingredients (you know, the usual suspects; flour, milk, eggs, baking soda, nutmeg) and adding creamy ricotta and bright lemon zest to perk everything up.  The best part about these is how unassuming they are.  They look like your average pancake and in fact, I think it's best left as a surprise.  You see, these pancakes are so packed with fresh and vibrant flavors and it's fun to watch people eat them, thinking that they signed up for an average pancake.  Within seconds of them taking that first bite, you'll see them stop chewing and their face will visibly show what their taste buds are thinking.  "Where's all that flavor coming from?"  They'll grab another bite and chew more slowly, carefully thinking about and taking in each bite as if it were solving a mystery.  "Where is all that flavor coming from?" You'll then start to notice that the pancakes will start to rapidly vanish from a syrup stained plate and in between mouthfuls, your brunch companion will mumble something about these being amazing and then they'll ask if there are any more left.  At this point, you can sit back and smile and be satisfied about the breakfast that you just made, that is, unless you're busy stuffing your own face full of deliciously lush lemony pancakes.

The real trick to making a great fluffy pancake is to not flip them much.  Instead, let them cook completely on one side and then give them a flip.  Don't press down on them with a spatula either because then they will loose all that precious air that makes them so light and delicious.

For the complete recipe, click here.