INGREDIENTS :
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 1 batch of pancake batter
- 4 eggs
- 4 strips bacon, cooked and cut in half (or 4 cooked pork sausage patties)
- 4 slices American cheese
INSTRUCTIONS :
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silpat if you have one before you start making the maple sugar. Remove from the equation.
In a small pot, pour the syrup and heat it over medium heat. Bring to a boil, constantly stirring. When it begins to boil vigorously, keep stirring to prevent it from sticking to the saucepan.
If you have a thermometer, check the temperature after a minute. When the syrup hits around 230 degrees Fahrenheit, it will begin to “slow down” and become less lava-like. You should also notice that it darkens little.
After two to three minutes: Remove from fire once it’s gotten pretty dark and you’ve detected a hint of caramel flavor. A thermometer should read 265°F at that point.
Spread the maple syrup thinly on the parchment-lined baking sheet. DO NOT INTERACT WITH IT. It’s as if you’re standing in molten lead (almost). Allow to cool. If you’re in a rush, put it in the fridge. Once it has cooled, you can peel it off the paper in chunks and smash it in some way to break it up.
Phew. That’s it for now. Now it’s time for the pancakes. Make 8 4′′ pancakes with a single batch of my pancake recipe or any other recipe that yields 8 4′′ pancakes.
If you’re making pancakes in spherical molds, brush the insides with a little butter. Preheat your griddle to medium-high heat. Place as many pancake molds as you can on the griddle and smear some butter all over it.
Pour 2 tablespoons batter into each one, then top with a few maple crystals and another 2 tablespoons batter. The goal is to sandwich the crystals within the pancakes to prevent maple sugar from clinging to your griddle and becoming a headache to clean up.
Cook until the edges of the cakes seem done and bubbles emerge around the edges. To flip the cakes, remove the rings using tongs. Cook for an another 1-2 minutes, or until done.
A slice of cheese, a scrambled or fried egg, bacon or sausage, and another pancake are added to the top.
Eat as soon as possible! Alternatively, chill and freeze for a rainy day.
Have fun!
