Buttermilk Pancakes with Maple Syrup

I'm SO in the mood for this I hardly have words... so I'll just share it with you random readers!

Makes about 6

4 fl oz (120 ml) buttermilk
5 oz (150 g) plain flour
½ level teaspoon baking powder
pinch of salt
3 large eggs, beaten
about 1-2 oz (25-50 g) lard

To serve:

lots of pure maple syrup and crème fraîche (And if you're South AFrican - Butro is the best!!)

First sieve the flour, baking powder and salt together in a roomy bowl and make a well in the centre. After that, whisk the buttermilk and 3 fl oz (75 ml) cold water together in a jug and gradually whisk this into the bowl, slowly incorporating the flour with each new addition of liquid. Finally, add the eggs a little at a time until you have a smooth batter.

Now place a large, solid frying pan over a medium heat, add 2 teaspoons of the lard and heat it until the fat shimmers. Then, using a tablespoon of batter per pancake, place 2 or 3 spoonfuls into the pan.

They will take about 1 minute to turn golden brown, then turn them over using a spatula and fork, being careful not to splash yourself with the hot fat. Give them another 45 seconds on the other side, by which time they should have puffed up like little soufflés, then briefly rest them on some kitchen paper to absorb any excess fat.

Repeat this with the rest of the batter, adding a little more lard if necessary. They will keep warm in a low oven, but to enjoy them at their best, have everyone seated to eat them as soon as they come out of the pan.

Yum Yum!! What do you feel like pigging out on? Even if you can't...!! =(