Culinary SOS: Country Gourmet’s whole wheat pancakes

Dear SOS: On a recent trip to Silicon Valley, we went to breakfast one morning at a restaurant called the Country Gourmet in Sunnyvale. I had the whole wheat pancakes. These were some of the best I have ever had. I make my own whole wheat pancakes, but these were far better. A pleasant, nutty taste and a smooth texture. Yum. I would love to have the recipe. Any chance of getting it?

Ronald Ross

Rancho Palos Verdes

Dear Ronald: We loved the light texture and flavor of this recipe, which combines a base of all-purpose and whole wheat flour with hints of cinnamon, vanilla and honey and a bright tang from buttermilk. What a fun way to start the morning!

Country Gourmet’s whole wheat pancakes

Total time: 25 minutes

Servings: Makes 8 to 10 pancakes

Note: Adapted from Country Gourmet in Sunnyvale, Calif.

1 cup (4.25 ounces) all-purpose flour

1 cup (4.5 ounces) whole wheat flour

2 tablespoons cornmeal

3/4 teaspoon salt

1 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

1 tablespoon baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 cup egg whites (about 4 egg whites)

3 tablespoons honey

1 teaspoon vanilla

2 1/4 cups buttermilk

1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter, melted

1. In a large bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, wheat flour, cornmeal, salt, cinnamon, baking powder and baking soda.

2. In a blender, purée the egg whites, honey, vanilla, buttermilk and melted butter until thoroughly combined, about 30 seconds.

3. Gently whisk the dry and liquid ingredients together to form a batter. This makes about 5 cups batter.

4. Heat a griddle or large skillet over medium-low heat. Grease the surface, then ladle half-cups of the batter to form each pancake. Cook until puffed and golden brown, about 1 1/2 to 2 minutes on each side.

5. This makes 8 to 10 pancakes. The restaurant serves them with butter and maple syrup.

Each of 10 pancakes: 185 calories; 6 grams protein; 29 grams carbohydrates; 2 grams fiber; 6 grams fat; 3 grams saturated fat; 14 mg. cholesterol; 8 grams sugar; 527 mg. sodium.

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