Apple Pancakes

Directions

1. 1
   Preheat the oven to 200 degrees F. Set a wire rack on a baking sheet and place in the oven.
2. 2
   Whisk 1 3/4 cups flour, the sugar, baking powder, salt and nutmeg in a large bowl.
3. 3
   In small bowl or liquid measuring cup, whisk the eggs with the milk and vanilla extract.
4. 4
   Melt 3 tablespoons butter in a large well-seasoned cast-iron or non stick skillet over medium heat.
5. 5
   Whisk the butter into the milk mixture.
6. 6
   Add the liquid ingredients to the dry mixture, and whisk just long enough to make a thick batter, (if there are a couple lumps that's okay).
7. 7
   Using a melon baler or an apple corer, peel and core the apples keeping them whole.
8. 8
   Slice the apples crosswise to make 1/4-inch rounds.
9. 9
   Put some flour on a plate and dredge the apple slices until lightly coated, shaking off any excess flour.
10. 10
    In the same skillet over medium to medium-low heat, place 3 apple slices about 3-inches apart in the skillet.
11. 11
    Cook without turning until browned, about 3 minutes.
12. 12
    Ladle about 2 tablespoons of the batter over each apple ring.
13. 13
    Cook, until bubbles break the surface of the pancakes, and the undersides are golden brown, about 2 to 3 minutes.
14. 14
    Add a nut-sized bit of butter to the skillet, as needed, and flip the pancakes, cook until golden on the underside, about 1 minute more.
15. 15
    Serve immediately or transfer to oven to keep warm.
16. 16
    Repeat with the remaining apples and batter.
17. 17
    Serve with warm maple syrup.