The addition of ricotta cheese gives these citrusy pancakes a little more heft. After you cook each batch of pancakes, transfer them to a heatproof platter and keep them warm for up to 20 minutes in a preheated 200°F oven.

　　

Ingredients

Makes 12 pancakes

　　4 extra-large eggs, separated

　　1 1/3 cups ricotta cheese

　　1 1/2 tablespoons sugar

　　1 1/2 tablespoons freshly grated orange zest

　　1/2 cup all-purpose flour

　　Pinch of salt

　　Melted butter for the griddle and for brushing on the pancakes

　　

Step 1

1. Combine the egg yolks, ricotta cheese, sugar, and orange zest in a medium bowl. Using a whisk or a mixer set on medium speed, beat for 2 minutes, or until creamy.

　　

Step 2

2. Sift the flour over the egg mixture. Using a large spoon or spatula, fold the flour into the egg mixture, being careful not to overmix or your pancakes will be tough.

　　

Step 3

3. In a bowl with the mixer set on high speed, beat the egg whites with the pinch of salt for about 1 minute, or until they hold stiff peaks. Whisk about one fourth of the egg whites into the ricotta mixture; then fold the remaining whites in gently but thoroughly.

　　

Step 4

4. Preheat a stove-top griddle or a skillet over medium heat, or an electric griddle to 400°F, testing to make sure it's hot enough for a drop of water to bounce on it.

　　

Step 5

5. Lightly butter the griddle. Using a ladle, form pancakes on the griddle, using 1/4 cup batter for each pancake. Cook the pancakes until a few bubbles form on the surface of each one.

　　

Step 6

6. Flip the pancakes with a spatula and cook until golden brown on the other side. Brush the finished pancakes with a little melted butter before serving.

　　Cooks' Note

　　RASPBERRY RICOTTA PANCAKES VARIATION: Add 1 cup of raspberries to the batter, stir gently, and form pancakes, using about 1/4 cup batter per pancake.

　　RASPBERRY LEMON RICOTTA PANCAKES VARIATION: Add 1 cup of raspberries to the batter, and substitute freshly grated lemon zest for the grated orange zest.

　　Bubby’s Brunch Cookbook by Ron Silver and Rosemary Black. Copyright © 2009 by Ron Silver and Rosemary Black. Published by Ballantine Books. All Rights Reserved.