hot chocolate pancakes

Ingredients: 

for the pancakes:

1 1/2 cup flour 

1/2 cup hot chocolate 

1 tbsp baking powder 

pinch of  salt 

1 1/4 cup milk 

4 tbsp melted butter pluss extra for the skillet

2 large eggs 

1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract 

whipped cream (optional)

for the hot chocolate syrup: 

1 cup pure maple syrup 

1/4 cup hot chocolate.

Method: 

for the hot chocolate syrup: bring the ingredients to a simmer, whisk constantly in a saucepan. continue to simmer until the syrup is thick enough to coat the back of the spoon, about 5 minutes. 

for the pancakes: 

preheat oven to 80 degrees C. whisk together the flour, hot chocolate mix, baking powder and salt in a large bowl. whisk together the milk, butter, eggs and vanilla in a medium bowl, pour the wet mixture into the flour mixture and gently fold just to combine. heat a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. pour 1/4 cupful of batter onto the skillet. cook until the surface of the pancakes begins to bubble and the bottoms have darkened by a few shades. flip the pancakes and continue to cook until it is springy when touched in the centre, about 3 minutes. repeat with the remaining batter.

 once you have finished the pancakes, put in the oven to keep it warm. 

pour over the syrup and top with whipped cream

for best results: do not use chocolate or cocoa mixes that contain powdered milk or other dairy products, which can change the structure and texture of the pancakes