How to Make Perfect Pancakes

Whisk 1 1/2 cups flour, 3 tablespoons sugar, 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon baking soda in a medium bowl.

Whisk 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons milk, 4 tablespoons melted butter and 1 egg in a separate bowl; fold into the flour mixture until just combined (it's OK if there are some lumps).

Brush a large nonstick skillet or griddle with butter and heat over medium-low heat. Add ¼ cupfuls of batter and cook until bubbly on top and golden on the bottom, about 4 minutes. Flip and cook until golden on the bottom, about 2 more minutes. (Makes 6 to 8 pancakes.)

Did you know? Grades of maple syrup indicate color and flavor, not quality: Grade A is lighter and milder than grade B.

Top This! Try one of these fun combos.

Strawberries and Cream
Toss 2 cups chopped strawberries with 1/2 cup brown sugar; let sit at least 1 hour. Top pancakes with the berries and their juices and sour cream; sprinkle with brown sugar.

Double Berry Compote
Simmer 1 1/2 cups maple syrup, 1 cup mixed blueberries and blackberries, and a few slices of ginger, 15 minutes. Off the heat, stir in another 1/2 cup berries.

Marmalade Butter and Yogurt
Melt 1 stick butter in a saucepan with 1/4 cup orange marmalade and a pinch of salt; whisk to combine. Top pancakes with plain yogurt and drizzle with the marmalade butter.

Chocolate-Banana Crunch
Microwave 4 ounces chopped bittersweet chocolate with 3 tablespoons heavy cream and 2 tablespoons honey in 30-second intervals, stirring, until smooth. Top pancakes with sliced bananas, the chocolate sauce and granola.

Bacon-Pecan Syrup
Cook 4 strips bacon until crisp; crumble. Drain all but 1 tablespoon of the drippings; add 1/2 cup chopped pecans and cook 2 minutes. Add 1½ cups maple syrup, the bacon and 1/4 teaspoon cider vinegar; heat through.