Pancake Molds

Pancakes are always fun for the kids when they drizzle maple syrup on them, but why not add a little something extra? Pancake molds can be quickly and easily used to turn plain, round pancakes into an assortment of fun shapes. It's easy, fun for the kids, and it's really cheap too!

The only real difference when making pancakes is that you pour the batter into the mold, which is already placed in the pan. When the pancakes are cooked enough, you just remove the mold, and volia! Custom-shaped pancakes for breakfast!

A pancake mold is a kitchen tool which is designed to create pancakes in specific shapes. Pancake molds are essentially like cookie cutters, except that they are intended to be used in the skillet or on the griddle, so they are treated to be heat-resistant. Using a pancake mold, it is possible to come up with all sorts of shaped pancakes, from hearts to roosters. Pancake molds are typically available in kitchen supply stores, and they can also be ordered from specialty suppliers.

People of all ages like pancakes in fanciful shapes, and using a pancake mold is much easier than trying to control the way the batter is poured onto the griddle. Shaped pancakes can be served exactly like normal pancakes, with various toppings such as butter, fruit, and syrup. In addition to being fun to eat, shaped pancakes also have a very consistent size, which makes them easier to cook and to distribute in a group.

To use a pancake mold, cooks place the mold in a skillet or on the griddle after oiling the cooking surface and the mold, and then pancake batter is ladled into the mold. After the batter is cooked through on one side, the mold can be removed, allowing the pancake to be flipped. Some pancake molds are designed to be cooked on both sides, with cooks flipping the pancake and mold together, keeping the shape even crisper. The end result is a pancake cooked in the shape of the mold.

Because pancake molds are designed to be used in a hot pan, they are made from materials which can handle heat. Many pancake molds are made from various metals, often with cool-touch handles which allow cooks to remove the molds easily. Metal molds will need to be oiled before use to ensure that the batter does not stick. It is also possible to find silicone pancake molds, which do not need to be oiled.

Most pancake molds are designed to produce pancakes of a reasonably large size, and they often come in coordinating sets. It is possible to find hearts, animals, fruits, and other fanciful shapes, and you can also use cookie cutters as pancake molds for smaller shaped pancakes. If you decide to use cookie cutters, make sure that they will be able to handle the heat of the cooking surface; avoid plastic cookie cutters, and try to use cookie cutters with handles. You can also use a crumpet ring as a pancake mold.

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons white vinegar
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons white sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 egg
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• cooking spray

Directions

1. Combine milk with vinegar in a medium bowl and set aside for 5 minutes to "sour". 2.Combine flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large mixing bowl. Whisk egg and butter into "soured" milk. Pour the flour mixture into the wet ingredients and whisk until lumps are gone.
2. Heat a large skillet over medium heat, and coat with cooking spray. Pour 1/4 cupfuls of batter onto the skillet, and cook until bubbles appear on the surface. Flip with a spatula, and cook until browned on the other side.

Ingredients

• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1 cup milk
• 1 1/4 cups rice flour
• 1/4 cup white sugar
• 2 tablespoons applesauce
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Directions

1. Combine the rice, milk, rice flour, sugar, applesauce, baking powder, and oil together in a bowl; blend with an electric hand mixer for 2 minutes.
2. Grease a large skillet or griddle and place over medium heat. Pour 1/4 cup of the batter onto the griddle; cook until the underside is golden brown. Flip and cook until the other side is also golden brown, 2 to 3 minutes per side.

Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons white sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 cup Herman Sourdough Starter
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup milk

Directions

1. In a large bowl, mix together flour, baking soda, salt, sugar and baking powder. Add the sourdough starter, oil, eggs and milk; beat well.
2. Heat a lightly oiled griddle or frying pan over medium high heat. Pour or scoop the batter onto the griddle, using approximately 1/4 cup for each pancake. Brown on both sides and serve hot.