chocolate pancakes

These may sound decadent, but the chocolate flavor comes from unsweetened cocoa powder, which replaces some of the flour used in a regular pancake recipe.  The thick batter makes for cakey pancakes that are not overly sweet.  Dust with powdered sugar and top with whipped cream and strawberry jam.  Peanut butter and bananas would also be a tasty topping!

chocolate pancakes (makes 9-10 pancakes)

2 tbsp butter, melted
1 cup milk
1 egg
1 cup flour
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
desired toppings

Melt butter in a small bowl in the microwave or on the stove.  Add egg and milk, whisk together, and set aside.

In a larger bowl, combine flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking soda and salt.  Mix well.

Add milk mixture to the dry ingredients, and whisk together until the dry ingredients are moistened.  Don't overmix.  (The batter may be slightly lumpy.)

Heat a griddle or frying pan over low-medium heat.  If it's not non-stick, add a little butter or oil to the pan, just enough to coat the pan.  You can wipe out the excess with a paper towel.  Pour about 1/4 cup of batter per pancake onto the griddle.  Cook 1-2 min per side.   Add a little more oil or butter for each batch of pancakes.  If the second batch starts to burn, turn the heat down.

Serve with desired toppings!