Pancakes A to Z (A to Z Cookbooks) [Hardcover]

Marie Simmons (Author), David Lazarus (Photographer)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 9, 1997 | Series: A to Z Cookbooks

A piping-hot stack of buttered pancakes drenched in maple syrup is an all-American image. But the age-old tradition of preparing pancakes comes from countries all around the world-from the crisp lentil patties of Southern India to the buckwheat blini of Russia to the delicate crêpes of France. Pancake recipes range from the savory to the sweet, and over 45 simple yet imaginative variations can be found in Pancakes A to Z by award-winning cookbook author Marie Simmons. Effortlessly perfect food has become the trademark for Bon Appétit and Los Angeles Times Syndicate columnist Marie Simmons. In her 12th book, Pancakes A to Z, she applies her knack for dazzling combinations to the versatile pancake. Marie starts with the basic formula for the all-American pancake and lets her culinary imagination take over from there: adding buttermilk lift; or stirring in sour cream, cottage cheese, applesauce, or yogurt to make the pancakes richer, more tender, sweetly moist or tangy; folding egg whites

Editorial Reviews

Review

Even cooks who can make perfect pancakes often can't make perfect first pancakes. The first batter that goes on the griddle has a lamentable tendency to tear, crumple or otherwise go awry.

Marie Simmons' new book, Pancakes A to Z, tells you how to solve this problem. First, Simmons writes, preheat the griddle over medium heat and test by adding a drop of water. It's hot enough when the water sizzles for a second and then evaporates. Choose the right kind and amount of fat (oil or clarified butter), use a pancake turner with a beveled, not blunt, edge and 'Never rush pancakes.'

In the book, Simmons continues, 'A rushed pancake, though brown on the outside, will be underdone inside. Let the pancakes cook slowly until tiny bubbles begin to appear all over the surface. This will take from 2 to 3 minutes or more on each side, depending on the consistency of the batter. When bubbles appear on the surface, gently lift one side and look at the bottom of the pancake to see if it is evenly browned. Turn and cook other side.

Also, Simmons advises, brush the heated pan or griddle with a thin layer of vegetable oil. Or spray with nonstick spray. First-pancake failure often is due to having too much oil on the surface.

Truth to tell, I had skipped right over most of these pancake pointers, having learned the hard way that less fat on the griddle works best. I liked the book, because it was compact and beautifully made (in Italy) and illustrated, and not least because it was filled with appealing recipes. Simmons, who worked in the Women's Day test kitchen and was pastry chef at Gage & Tollner in Brooklyn, is the well-regarded author of 11 books, and this one looked perfect for holiday giving, along with a jug of pure maple syrup. -- Newsday, 11-21-97

From the Publisher

Also in the A to Z series: Muffins A to Z and Bar Cookies A to Z.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 96 pages
• Publisher: Houghton Mifflin (September 9, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1576300439
• ISBN-13: 978-1576300435
• Product Dimensions: 7.1 x 7.1 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #801,495 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A wonderful little recipe book, January 20, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Pancakes A to Z (A to Z Cookbooks) (Hardcover)

If you want to give yourself or someone else breakfast in bed, this is the book for you -- the recipes are beautifully presented, simple, and the ones I've tried are utterly delicious. I recommend the Blueberry Buttermilk Pancakes w/Blueberry Sauce and the New Year's Eve Popover Pancake W/Smoked Salmon & Dill Butter -- both are heavenly. This is a perfect little book to give someone as a gift. Enjoy!

5.0 out of 5 stars Pancakes, pancakes, pancakes!!!, January 3, 2012

By 

S. M. Barnicle (Boston, MA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Pancakes A to Z (A to Z Cookbooks) (Hardcover)

I have enjoyed all the A to Z titles. The Pancake book is my favorite by far. I have an almost endless variety of pancakes and variations to try for the next year or so.

0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Cookbook, December 10, 2009

By 

CricketH "C.E.H." (PA, USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Pancakes A to Z (A to Z Cookbooks) (Hardcover)

This was exactly what I wanted. It's a gift for my son-in-law who is a budding pancake chef!