Two-tone Pancakes

Preparing two-tone pancakes is a fun way to vary up the traditional American breakfast, adding a touch of imagination and flavor. Here’s a simple recipe to make two-tone pancakes with an Italian twist, using cocoa and coffee to add the second color and a richer taste.

Ingredients

• 250g of all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon of baking powder
• A pinch of salt
• 2 tablespoons of sugar
• 2 eggs
• 300ml of milk
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• 30g of melted butter
• 2 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 espresso shot (or 2 tablespoons of strong coffee)

Preparation

1. In a large bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
2. In another bowl, lightly beat the eggs and add them to the milk and vanilla extract.
3. Add the liquid to the dry ingredients and mix until smooth. Add the melted butter and incorporate it well.
4. Divide the batter into two equal parts. In one half, sift and mix in the cocoa powder. In the other half, add the cold espresso shot.
5. Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat and, when hot, pour a small ladle of cocoa batter to make the first circle, then add a ladle of coffee batter in the center to create the two-tone effect.
6. Cook until bubbles form on the surface of the pancake, then flip it and cook for another 1-2 minutes.
7. Serve the two-tone pancakes warm with maple syrup, honey, fresh fruit, or whatever you prefer.

Coffee, a distinctive element of Italian culture, adds a refined and intense note to the cocoa pancakes, providing an energetic breakfast with a unique taste. You can pair these pancakes with a cappuccino or an espresso to keep with the Italian theme, or with an American coffee if you prefer a more traditional style.