Bright & Fluffy Lemon Pancakes

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Ingredients (Serves 4)

For the Pancakes:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp salt
• ¾ cup whole milk (or buttermilk)
• ½ cup ricotta cheese
• 2 eggs, separated
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tbsp lemon zest
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 tbsp melted butter (plus extra for cooking)

For Topping (Optional):

• Maple syrup or honey
• Powdered sugar
• Fresh berries (blueberries, raspberries, or strawberries)
• Whipped cream

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Instructions

1️⃣ Mix the Dry Ingredients:

• In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

2️⃣ Prepare the Wet Ingredients:

• In another bowl, whisk egg yolks, milk, ricotta, lemon juice, lemon zest, vanilla extract, and melted butter until smooth.

3️⃣ Whip the Egg Whites (for Extra Fluff!):

• In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites with a hand mixer (or whisk) until soft peaks form.

4️⃣ Combine the Batter:

• Gently mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined.
• Fold in the whipped egg whites carefully (this makes the pancakes extra fluffy!).

5️⃣ Cook the Pancakes:

• Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium-low heat and grease with butter.
• Pour ¼ cup batter per pancake onto the skillet.
• Cook until bubbles form on top (2-3 minutes), then flip and cook for another 1-2 minutes until golden.

6️⃣ Serve & Enjoy!

• Stack pancakes high and top with maple syrup, fresh berries, and a dusting of powdered sugar.

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Pro Tips:

✅ Extra fluffy? Whip the egg whites even more for a soufflé-like texture!
✅ Want a stronger lemon flavor? Add an extra teaspoon of lemon zest.
✅ Dairy-free option? Use almond milk and coconut yogurt instead of milk & ricotta.