Southern-Style Cornmeal Pancakes

Method: How to Make Southern-Style Cornmeal Pancakes:

Follow these easy steps to make your own delicious Southern-style cornmeal pancakes:

1. Prepare the Dry Ingredients
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cornmeal, all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk together to ensure the ingredients are evenly mixed.
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients
   In another bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Make sure the melted butter has cooled slightly before adding it to the mixture to prevent the eggs from cooking prematurely.
3. Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients
   Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Gently stir with a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are fine. Overmixing can make the pancakes dense and tough, rather than fluffy.
4. Preheat and Grease the Griddle
   Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Lightly grease the surface with butter or a non-stick spray.
5. Cook the Pancakes
   For each pancake, pour about 1/4 cup of the batter onto the hot griddle. Cook until bubbles form on the surface and the edges appear set, about 2-3 minutes. Flip the pancakes and cook for another 1-2 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. Adjust the heat as necessary to prevent burning.
6. Serve and Enjoy
   Transfer the cooked pancakes to a warm plate and cover them with a clean kitchen towel to keep them warm while you cook the remaining batter. Serve your Southern-style cornmeal pancakes hot, with your favorite toppings like butter, maple syrup, honey, fresh berries, or even a dollop of whipped cream.

Tips for Perfect Southern-Style Cornmeal Pancakes:

• Choose the Right Cornmeal: Opt for a fine or medium-grind yellow cornmeal for the best texture. Coarse cornmeal can make the pancakes too gritty.
• Use Buttermilk: The acidity of buttermilk not only tenderizes the cornmeal but also helps the baking soda activate, resulting in fluffy pancakes.
• Don’t Overmix the Batter: To achieve light and fluffy pancakes, mix the batter gently and avoid over-stirring.
• Cook on Medium Heat: Too high heat will cook the outside too quickly while leaving the inside raw. Medium heat ensures even cooking and a beautiful golden crust.