Chocolate Chip Pancakes With Orange-Brandy Sauce

Makes 5 to 6 servings

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For the pancakes:

2/3 cup all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

Pinch of fine sea salt

2/3 cup buttermilk

2 extra-large eggs, separated

1/4 cup cold water

Butter for frying

1/2 heaped cup semisweet

   chocolate chips

For the orange-brandy sauce:

1/3 cup semisweet chocolate chips

1/2 cup light cream

2 tablespoons sugar

1 tablespoon brandy, Grand          Marnier, or Cointreau

2 tablespoons orange juice

Orange sections for garnish

   (optional)

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1. To make the pancake batter, sift the flour, baking powder, and salt into a large mixing bowl and make a well in the middle. In another bowl, whisk the buttermilk, egg yolks, and water together, then pour into the well. Gradually incorporate the flour into the liquid ingredients to make a smooth batter. Beat the egg whites to firm peaks, then fold into the batter.

2. Cook the pancakes in batches of two or three. First, heat a large, nonstick frying pan with a small piece of butter. Pour a small ladleful of batter into the pan for each pancake, then drop a few chocolate chips over the top of each. Fry until golden brown underneath, about 1 minute, then flip over and cook the other side for 45 to 60 seconds. The pancakes should puff up as they cook. Keep them warm in a low oven while you cook the rest, adding more butter to the pan as needed.

3. For the sauce, combine the chocolate, cream, and sugar in a small saucepan. Set the pan over low heat and stir until the chocolate and sugar have melted and the sauce is smooth. Stir in the brandy and orange juice, then pour into a warm pitcher.

4. Pile the pancakes on warm plates and drizzle the sauce over them. Garnish with orange sections, if you wish.

Notes: For even more luxury, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream to each serving of warm pancakes and brandy sauce. Or, for a special breakfast treat on a child's birthday, serve the pancakes with maple syrup instead of brandy sauce.

Per serving (based on 6): 336 calories, 6 grams protein, 38 grams carbohydrates, 23 grams sugar, 17 grams fat, 93 milligrams cholesterol, 154 milligrams sodium, 3 grams dietary fiber.

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