Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Pancakes

Ingredients:

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 heaping teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice*
• 1 cup (180g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 and 1/4 cups (305g) pumpkin puree (canned or fresh)
• 1/3 cup (67g) light or dark brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 3 Tablespoons (45ml) canola or vegetable oil
• 1 and 1/2 cups (360ml) whole milk*

Directions:

In a large bowl, toss the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, and chocolate chips together until combined. Set aside.

I like to mix the wet ingredients in a blender. This guarantees a smoother batter and breaks down the pumpkin. This is especially necessary if you are using fresh pumpkin puree. Add the pumpkin, brown sugar, egg, oil, and whole milk to a blender and blend on high for 45 seconds until combined. Alternatively, you may whisk by hand or use a hand mixer. Blender is best.

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and whisk by hand gently to combine the ingredients. The batter is extremely thick. Do not thin it out. Whisk until *just* combined, no more. A few lumps may remain. Taste the batter. If you want to add more spices, go ahead. I usually add more cinnamon.

Heat a griddle or skillet over medium heat. Coat generously with butter. Once hot, drop about 1/4 cup of batter on the griddle. Cook until the edges look dry and bubbles begin to form on the sides, about 1 minute. Flip and cook on the other side until cooked through, about 2 more minutes. Coat griddle/skillet again with butter for each pancake or batch of pancakes.

Keep pancakes warm in a preheated 200F degree oven until all pancakes are cooked. Serve immediately with your favorite pancake toppings. Pancakes taste best right after they are made. Pancakes freeze well, up to 2 months.

*Courtesy of:  http://sallysbakingaddiction.com/2014/08/21/pumpkin-chocolate-chip-pancakes/