Bread Recipe #51 - Gingerbread Pancakes with Butterscotch Apples

This would be yummy for Christmas morning (or any morning) even if you don't make the apple topping. I put a little maple syrup on mine along with the apples, but just syrup would be delicious also. Ingredients: 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, 2 large Golden Delicious apples (about 1 pound), peeled and sliced, 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar, 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, 1 1/4 teaspoons ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, 3/4 cup all-purpose flour,, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 1 1/2 tablespoons ground ginger, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, 1 large egg, 3 tablespoons molasses, 3 tablespoons vegetable oil (I used canola). Instructions: Preheat the oven to 200 degrees. Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the apples and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender, about 10 minutes. Stir in the brown sugar, 2 tablespoons water, the lemon juice, 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Cook until the mixture bubbles. Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla; transfer to a serving dish and set aside. Meanwhile, in a small bowl stir together the flour, granulated sugar, ginger, remaining 1 teaspoon cinnamon, the baking powder, and remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt. Combine 1/4 cup water, the egg, molasses, and 3 tablespoons oil in a glass measuring cup; add to the flour mixture and stir with a fork until the mixture is just combined but not smooth. Add additional water if necessary to reach the consistency of pancake batter. Brush a nonstick skillet with a little oil or lightly coat with cooking spray; heat over medium-low heat. Add the gingerbread mixture to the skillet a generous tablespoonful at a time and spread to make a 2 1/2-inch round; cook until lightly browned, about 3 minutes. Turn and brown on the other side, 3-4 minutes. Repeat until all the batter has been used. Keep the pancakes warm in the oven until all have been cooked. To serve, divide the pancakes among plates and top each serving with some of the apples. Found this on Epicurious.com, presented by Sara Moulton, "Sara's Secrets for Weeknight Meals", Jan 2009. "Rolling in the dough!"