pancakes

Blueberry pancakes are delicious on their own, but the addition of ricotta cheese amps up the sour tang of the buttermilk, plus it makes an interesting topping.

This recipe adds just enough ricotta to enhance the flavor of the pancake without changing its traditional texture and size.

Dollop additional ricotta on top of the pancakes to ensure each bite has plenty of creamy curds.

Serve up a stack of blueberry ricotta pancakes.

Even if it has been two decades since you've made or eaten chocolate chip pancakes, there's no reason you can't resurrect the breakfast of your childhood dreams. In fact, I encourage you to go all out and top the stack with whipped cream and chocolate sprinkles.

The base is a golden-hued buttermilk pancake with plenty of melted butter to make the batter moist and rich.

Right before the batter hits the griddle, fold in chocolate chips.

Once the cakes come off the grill, don't be shy with the toppings. I used the MarieBelle chocolates from my Must Have box.

The whipped cream and melted chocolate chips make these pancakes so sweet and moist, I don't think they need any other adornments (like maple syrup), but I'll let you be the judge! Are you ready to be a kid again? See the recipe.

Part of the fun of making homemade buttermilk pancakes is adding mix-ins, and these banana walnut pancakes are a delicious way to start your morning.

A sprinkle of powdered sugar and a dollop of crème fraiche make them extra special.

Fluffy and moist, with a nice crunch from the walnuts, these banana nut pancakes will get even the grumpiest morning person to skip happily out of bed.

Keep reading to see the recipe.

While many resort to pancake mix when making a special weekend breakfast, homemade pancakes are a must. Here's the little-known secret: the batter takes just as long to make as a boxed mix, and the result is infinitely better. If the attractive appearance of these golden, crisp cakes isn't enough to push you toward the skillet for a sneak taste, surely the buttery scent and familiar buttermilk tang will send you over the edge.

As long as you follow the recipe and keep an eye on the heat, you'll produce something that looks like pancakes. If your flipping skills are a bit messy, don't worry! You'll get better with practice. The key is to visualize a clean landing and to have confidence that you can flip those pancakes like a brunch master. When in doubt, refer to our essential tips for making pancakes so you can whip up an impressive stack to serve to your friends and family.

Once all of the pancakes are made, stack them high and serve them with a slab of butter and authentic maple syrup. One bite of these pancakes, and you'll be a convert for life.

Click here to read and print the pancake recipe.