Vanilla Bean Pancakes

Yippee... I found a source for cheap bourbon vanilla pods.  3 for 2.99. You can't beat that if you tried as the local Pavilions market sells 3 for 19.99...dabastads!

This is a simple process, scrape and steep the beans and pods to impart a heavenly vanilla flavor to the pancakes.  Really yummy and worth the extra step.

Vanilla Bean Pancakes

• 3 c flour
• 3 T sugar
• 3 t baking powder
• 1 1/2 t baking soda
• 3/4 t salt
• 3 c butter milk
• 1/2 c milk
• 3 eggs
• 1/3 c melted butter
• 1 vanilla bean

Split the vanilla bean lengthwise and scrape out the seeds.  Whisk together the buttermilk and milk in a non-reactive pan.  Add vanilla bean seeds and pod.  Over  low flame heat mixture until it just starts to steam and  bubbles form at the edge of the pan.  Do not boil or scald.  Cover and remove from flame.  Cool to room temp or overnight in the fridge.

Sift together the dry ingredients.  Fish out the spent vanilla pod and discard.  Beat eggs into the buttermilk mixture and stir into the dry ingredients.  Stir in melted butter.  Fry up on a hot griddle and serve with your favorite syrup or fruit compote.