Divine Wind Pancakes

Inspired by Kamikaze Pancakes from Egg & I in Minneapolis, and guided by the griddle cakes recipe in Fanny Farmer, I have crafted nutritious pancakes which are all things to all people. Or at least to me and my husband. Made with a banana to replace the oil and sugar, the hearty, stick-to-your-ribs buckwheat pancake can be customized easily for each diner. Pancakes are more art than science. Expect to sacrifice the first victim of the griddle to the Pancake Gods as you adjust temperature. The amount of buttermilk or milk is approximate, and will have to be adjusted based on the size of the banana and your personal preference. Also, the batter will thicken as it stands, and may have to be thinned if your pancakes are coming out too thick.

• Ready In: 30 mins
• Serves: 3
• Yields: 12 pancakes

Ingredients

• 1⁄2 cup buckwheat flour
• 1⁄2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
• 1⁄2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1  egg
• 1  ripe banana
• 1  cup buttermilk (or 1/2 cup plain yogurt and 1/2 cup milk.)
• 1⁄2 cup fresh blueberries or 1⁄2 cup  thawed frozen blueberries
• 1⁄4 cup  chopped walnuts

Directions

1. Combine the dry ingredients and mix well.
2. In a separate bowl, mash the banana.
3. To the banana, add the egg and 1/2 of the buttermilk or all of the yogurt, and mix.
4. Combine the dry ingredients with the banana mixture, and slowly add part or all of the remaining buttermilk or milk until the batter reaches the desired thinness. (Reserve some milk to adjust the thickness of the batter as time goes on).
5. Heat a non-stick griddle or large skillet over medium high heat until a drop of water will dance on the surface.
6. Pour 1/4 cup of batter onto the griddle.
7. Sprinkle blueberries and/or walnuts onto the pancake as desired.
8. When the edge of the pancake is no longer shiny, flip the pancake. The cooked side should be golden brown. If it's dark brown, turn down the heat.
9. Continue cooking until the other side is also golden brown. Be sure there is no raw batter around the blueberries.
10. If the pancake is too thick for your tastes, thin the remaining batter with a bit of milk or buttermilk.
11. Serve the pancakes warm with butter and pure maple syrup.