Florida has two season – Summer and Fall.  Unlike other parts of the country, where seasons change by a drop in temperature and leaves changing colors, in Florida, we know it’s Fall when Dunkin Donuts introduces their pumpkin line-up. Pumpkin donuts, pumpkin lattes, and this year pumpkin cream cheese.  It’s always exciting and to celebrate the season, I decided to jump on the pumpkin band wagon and make some pumpkin pancakes.

I found this recipe on Epicurious.com and even though I hate following recipes, I pushed through and managed to make a delicious breakfast.

Simple and Delicious Pumpkin Pancakes
Recipe adapted from Epicurious.com

What you need:

1 1/4 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
3 tablespoons sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 1/4 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
a dash of cinnamon
3/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/3 cups whole milk or skim milk
3/4 cup canned pure pumpkin
4 large eggs, separated
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup dark chocolate chips (optional)

What you need to do:

Whisk first 5 ingredients in large bowl to blend.
Whisk milk, pumpkin, egg yolks, melted butter and vanilla in medium bowl to blend well.
Add pumpkin mixture to dry ingredients; whisk just until smooth (batter will be thick).
Using electric mixer, beat egg whites in another medium bowl until stiff but not dry.
Fold whites into batter in 2 additions.
Brush large non-stick skillet with oil; heat over medium heat.
Working in batches, pour batter by 1/3 cupfuls into skillet. Cook until bubbles form on surface of pancakes and bottoms are brown, about 1 1/2 minutes per side.
Repeat with remaining batter, brushing skillet with oil between batches.
Serve with syrup.
Enjoy!