The pancake breakfast is a classic fundraiser. From the firehouse to the local school, the simple, popular meal has people flipping and stacking pancakes for a good cause. This year, Nutella and celebrated chef, restaurateur, and author Alex Guarnaschelli continue their partnership in Stacks for Giving Back program. Ready to pick up a fork for a good cause.
Since the beginning of the year, firemen have dominated the headlines. The devasting California fires showed selfless courage in grave danger. While those images are forever etched in people’s minds, it is just one example of the perils that firefighters face every day.
From the small town with just a few members to large cities with their vast networks, the men and women who put on the uniform put others first. They are the first in and the last out.
While they risk it all to save others, those firehouses are struggling. Stacks for Giving Back help to support those men and women one pancake breakfast at time. From sponsoring pancake breakfasts to grants via the National Volunteer Fire Council, Nutella is helping to give these first responders the tools that they need to do their job.
As part of this year’s event, Chef Alex Guarnaschelli created a new recipe. The Nutella Cinnamon Cloud Pancakes are available at the Nutella Café in Chicago. Since some people may be unable to make it to the Windy City, Nutella and Chef Alex have graciously shared the recipe. Now, everyone can flip some pancakes for a cause in their own kitchen.
Nutella Cinnamon Cloud Pancakes – created by Chef Alex Guarnaschelli
Ingredients:
1-1/2 cups full fat buttermilk
1⁄2-stick unsalted butter, melted and cooled
1-teaspoon vanilla
1-teaspoon kosher salt
1 large egg yolk, lightly beaten
1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1⁄2-cup confectioners’ sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1-1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
1/2-teaspoon dry ginger
3 large egg whites
1⁄4-teaspoon cream of tartar
Nonstick spray
2 tablespoons Nutella
Cook time: 8-9 minutes per batch
Yield: 4 cups batter –8-9 pancakes- serves 3-4
Equipment: circle mold/cookie cutter, 3 - 3-1/2 inches in diameter
Directions:
1. Start the batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, butter, vanilla, salt and the egg yolk. Sift the flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon and ginger right over the wet ingredients and whisk only to combine.
2. Preheat oven to 300F.
3. Add the egg whites: In the clean bowl of the electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, whip the egg whites and cream of tartar on medium speed until soft peaks form, 4-5 minutes. Using a rubber spatula, gently fold the whites into the batter. Don’t mix a lot. There should be streaks of egg white not fully combined. The key is to mix as little as possible and keep the whites fluffy.
4. Start the pancakes: Heat a large skillet with a fitted lid over low heat and spray with nonstick spray. Spray the inside of a (3 – 3-1/2 inch in diameter) ring mold with spray. Place the ring mold on one side of the skillet. Using 1⁄2-cup measure full of batter, fill the mold with the batter. Cover and cook for 3 minutes. Gently remove the ring. Turn the pancake on its second side and let it cook 3-4 additional minutes.
5. Pancake: Clean and spray the ring and make a new pancake some distance from the first. Repeat and start a third one. Cook each pancake 4 minutes on the first side or until they brown and an additional 4 minutes.
6. Storing and serving: Keep the pancakes warm on a baking sheet in the oven. Arrange on a serving platter.
While this recipe suggests using the ring mold, the pancakes can be made without it. They will be less uniform, but it is possible.
Also, if a ring mold is not available, a cookie cutter might work. Some people might like the fun shapes, too.
The spices in the batter pair well with the Nutella. The cinnamon and ginger bring warmth without becoming overwhelming. When served with the chocolate hazelnut spread, it is quite tasty.
This recipe is part of the Stacks for Giving Back and it is one that can give back time and again. Stacking up pancakes for a good cause is another way food connects people. One plate at a time can and does make a difference.