For a Sexy Autumn Breakfast, Try This Recipe for Ricotta Hotcakes with Warm Spiced Apples and Maple Syrup

This Halloween weekend is going to be all about the kids. Candy, jack 'o lanterns, trick or treating, and arguments about whether they'll wear their winter coats over or under their costumes. That is, unless you live in Southern California, Arizona, or Florida. You parents have no idea how easy you have it.

Well, today's post isn't about the kids. It's about the parents. Because come Sunday morning, you're going to need a respite from all things Halloween, including your sugar-hyped kids. So get up a little early while they're still sleeping, and make yourself a batch of these Ricotta Hotcakes with Warmed Spiced Apples and Maple. (This is also a good time to ransack their Halloween bags for a few of your favorite candies. Come on, you know you do.)

Sure hotcakes are similar to pancakes, but they're better. The creamy ricotta cheese and airy whipped egg whites renders them pillowy soft and tender. You could top them with anything you fancy, but what says autumn more deliciously than warm spiced apples and raisins drowned in maple syrup? Plus "ricotta hotcakes" sounds a whole lot sexier than pancakes, and since the kids will still be in bed, that's a very good thing.



Ricotta Hotcakes with Warmed Spiced Apples and Maple Syrup

Serves 4
Makes about 16 hotcakes
Print recipe only here.

Hotcakes:
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
salt
1 cup ricotta cheese
3/4 cup milk
4 eggs, separated
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
canola oil for griddle

Apples:
2 tablespoons butter
2 sweet, crisp apples, peeled and diced (such as Rome Beauty, Golden Delicious, or Honeycrisp)
1/4 cup raisins
1/4 cup coarsely chopped walnuts
1/2 teaspoon apple pie spice
1/2 cup pure maple syrup, plus extra for drizzling

1. In a medium bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt.

2. In a large bowl, whisk ricotta cheese, milk, egg yolks, and vanilla extract. Add flour mixture and whisk just until combined.

3. In a clean, dry glass or metal bowl, beat egg whites with an electric mixer on high until foamy. Using a spatula, fold into the batter.

4. Pour a little bit of oil on a griddle over medium heat. Drop batter by 1/4 cupfuls onto the griddle. Cook for 1 minute, or until golden underneath. Flip and cook 30-60 more, or until golden. Repeat. Keep hotcakes on a covered warm plate or in a low oven (250 degrees F) until ready to serve. 

5. To make the apples, melt butter in a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Add apples and cook for 5 minutes, or until golden and tender, but not mushy. Add remaining ingredients through 1/2 cup maple syrup. Stir well and cook 2 minutes, or until the syrup begins to bubble. Cool slightly. When ready to serve, ladle on top of hotcakes. Serve with maple syrup.


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You might also enjoy these adult-friendly breakfasts from Food Blogga:
Breakfast Egg Sandwich with Avocado and Chipotle Mayo
Savory Chestnut Pancakes with Pancetta and Creme Fraiche
Fresh Fig, Ricotta, and Honey Breakfast Crostini
Savory Sausage and Fennel Galette

Here are more adult-friendly breakfasts you might enjoy:
Spiced Pear Galette recipe at My Diverse Kitchen
Pumpkin French Toast recipe at Panini Happy
Smoked Salmon Quiche recipe at One For The Table
Green Chile Huevos Rancheros recipe at The Way the Cookie Crumbles

PS- Meeta of What's For Lunch, Honey? just brought to my attention that my hotcakes would be ideal for her Monthly Mingle this month, which is brunch.