Name: Spiced Ricotta Hotcakes
Cook time: P0Y0M0DT0H25M0.000S
Total time: P0Y0M0DT0H30M0.000S
Yield: 2 to 4 servings (10 to 12 pancakes)
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 tablespoon plus 1 1/2 teaspoons granulated sugar (1 1/2 tablespoons); 1 teaspoon baking powder; 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom; Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper; 1 cup ricotta cheese (see Cook's Note); 2/3 cup whole milk; 2 large eggs; 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; Unsalted butter, as needed for the griddle; Confectioners' sugar, for sprinkling; Pomegranate molasses, for drizzling

Directions

Whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, cardamom, 1/4 teaspoon salt and a pinch pepper in a large bowl. Thoroughly mix the ricotta, milk, egg yolks (reserve the whites) and vanilla in a second large bowl. Stir the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined.
Separate the egg whites into a medium bowl; reserve the yolks for another use. Lightly beat the egg whites with a handheld electric mixer until soft peaks form, 1 to 2 minutes. (Alternatively, use a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment). Gently fold the whipped egg whites into the batter. Let the batter rest about 5 minutes.
Heat a griddle or cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Melt enough butter to just coat the surface. Working in batches, pour 1/4 cup batter onto the griddle for each hotcake and cook until golden brown and puffed, about 3 minutes. Flip and continue cooking until golden brown, 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer to a plate.
Serve hot, sprinkled with confectioners' sugar and drizzled with pomegranate molasses.

Cook’s Note

My ricotta was on the drier side. If yours has a lot of liquid, I suggest draining it a bit with some cheesecloth and a fine-mesh sieve to keep it from changing the batter texture. Never leave a child unattended in the kitchen. This recipe is appropriate for children of various ages. When a recipe calls for cooking on the stove or using a knife, an adult should do those activities and let the child assist, if age appropriate. 