1tablespoonunsalted buttermelted and cooled slightly, plus more for cooking
toasted walnutsfinely chopped (optional)
Instructions
Prepare Blackberry Syrup: Combine the blackberries and ½ cup (120 mL) water in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil and simmer, covered, for 10 minutes. Purée mixture in a blender until completely smooth and pass through a fine-meshed sieve set over a bowl. Set aside.
In a clean pan, combine the sugar, lemon zest, and 1 cup (240 mL) water. Bring to a boil, stirring until the sugar has completely dissolved. Continue to boil the sugar, without stirring, until a candy thermometer reads 220°F (104°C). Add the blackberry puree to the pan. Bring the syrup back to a boil until the temperature reaches 210°F (99°C). Allow the syrup to cool slightly while you prepare the pancakes.
Pancakes: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, wheat germ, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the egg, buttermilk, milk, and melted butter until smooth. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry flour mixture, and stir until just combined. Allow the batter to sit for 10 minutes.
Heat a tab of butter in large non-stick (or cast-iron) skillet over medium heat. Once the butter begins to sizzle, spoon the batter onto the pan forming 1½ – 2 inch diameter pancakes. Avoid over-crowding the pan. Sprinkle toasted chopped walnuts evenly on top of each of the pancakes, if desired.
Once bubbles begin to form on the tops of the pancakes, flip them carefully and continue to cook on other side until lightly brown. Adjust heat if necessary. Serve pancakes immediately with the warm blackberry syrup.
Blackberry syrup recipe adapted from September 1990 Issue of Gourmet Magazine.