Basic Pancake Recipe

Directions

1. 1
   Mix the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl.
2. 2
   In another bowl, whisk the milk, butter, eggs, and vanilla.
3. 3
   Pour the mixture into the large bowl and whisk just enough to combine thoroughly. (Don't over-whisk, or the pancake will be tough. It's ok if there're some lumps left in the batter. When you cook it it'll smooth out.).
4. 4
   Heat the griddle until a few drops of water tossed onto the surface runs around frantically.
5. 5
   Melt a pad of butter onto the griddle and, using a paper towel, rub the butter around until it evenly coats the pan and lubricates it.
6. 6
   Scoop 1/3 cups of batter onto the griddle to make a pancake.
7. 7
   Cook the first side until bubbles cover the pancake surface and begin to pop, then flip the pancake over.
8. 8
   Once the second side has lightly browned (about half the time it takes to cook the first side), remove and serve.