Gluten Free Buttermilk Pancakes (Like from a Mix)

This recipe came from The Gluten Free Kitchen. I've been making it off and on for years. The original headnote describes them well: "These are mild, thick pancakes, fashioned after the buttermilk pancakes made from mixes that are found in the grocery store baking aisle. They are great served with butter and syrup." Since they are made with starches and no whole grain flours, they are very light - similar to white flour as compared to whole wheat. This is also handy for people just getting started with gluten free cooking or wheat eaters who want to cook for a gluten intolerant relative/friend but only have access to common grocery store ingredients (the xanthan gum isn't essential but does improve the texture). If no buttermilk on hand, substitute 3/4 cup milk and 3/4 tsp vinegar.

• Ready In: 30 mins
• Serves: 3
• Yields: 15 3 inch pancakes

Ingredients

• 1⁄4 cup sugar
• 2  tablespoons shortening
• 2  tablespoons  oil
• 1  egg
• 3⁄4 cup cornstarch
• 3⁄4 cup potato starch
• 1⁄4 teaspoon xanthan gum
• 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
• 1 1⁄4 teaspoons baking powder
• 1⁄4 teaspoon baking soda
• 3⁄4 cup buttermilk

Directions

1. Cream sugar and shortening in medium mixing bowl. Add all ingredients except buttermilk and mix well. While stirring slowly, add buttermilk, being sure to remove all lumps from the batter. Batter will be thin.
2. Pour batter onto hot greased griddle. Cook on both sides. Because these are thick, check the sides to be sure no damp batter shows. If it does let them cook a bit longer.