Apple Pancakes

A recipe from my Mom: Apfelpfannkuchen (German for "apple pancakes"). Slices of apple, dipped into pancake batter, pan-fried and sprinkled with sugar and cinnamon. Enough for a main dish but also nice as a dessert.

Ingredients

• 10 oz / 300 g flour, sifted
• 4 eggs
• 2 tsp sugar
• ⅛ tsp salt
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp gin (optional)
• 1 cup / 250 ml milk
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• 3 apples
• at least 1 cup / 250 ml vegetable oil (for frying)
• cinnamon and sugar for sprinkling the pancakes
• cream and mint leaves for garnish

Preparation

1. Combine eggs, sugar, salt and vanilla extract. Beat until foamy.
2. Stir in oil and flour, then add milk. Add gin if desired. Mix well. The result should be a fairly thick pancake batter.
3. Core apples and cut into ½ in / 1 cm thick slices.
4. Set non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Add 1 cup / 250 ml of oil.
5. Dip sliced apples into pancake batter. Coat well. Drop into pan and put 1 tbsp of batter on top of each apple slice.
6. Fry until golden brown on one side, then turn and fry until golden brown on the other side.
7. Remove from pan, blot dry with paper towels and keep warm. Continue frying until all pancakes are done, adding oil if necessary.
8. Sprinkle with sugar and cinnamon.
9. Serve warm, optionally with a bit of cream and a few mint leaves.