Chocolate-Chip Oatmeal Pancakes

For me, chocolate is a lot like Ben Affleck – it’s best in a supporting role.

Chocolate-chip cookies, chocolate croissants, and chocolate-chip blondies are definite draws.  Think Good Will Hunting, School Ties, and Mallrats.  But put chocolate in a starring role – chocolate cake, chocolate truffles, or chocolate pudding – and you have a Gigli or Daredevil in the making.

By my standards, these pancakes are well cast.  The chocolate chips meld into the oatmeal-buttermilk batter, giving a subtle performance, but one that adds to the overall production.  They don’t steal the scene, but rather, focus it.

We all know chocolate as a dessert, but it’s a role it often plays, and usually overplays.  But after making these pancakes, chocolate in a breakfast role merits your attention.  It may even be Oscar worthy.

Chocolate-Chip Oatmeal Pancakes

PREP TIME: Requires soaking overnight
COOK TIME: 9 minutes
YIELD: 12 to 16 pancakes

WHAT TO GRAB:
2 cups buttermilk
1 1/2 cups quick-cooking oats
1/2 cup flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
3/4 teaspoon Kosher salt
3 tablespoons sugar
2 large eggs
1/4 cup butter, melted
White-Chocolate Chips
Semi-sweet Chocolate Chips
Warm maple syrup

HOW YOU DO IT:

1.  Combine the oats and buttermilk in a small bowl, and refrigerate overnight.

2.  When morning arrives, preheat your griddle on medium-low heat.

3.  In a large bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar.  In another large, mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, butter, and buttermilk-oats until combined.  Make a well in the dry ingredients, and slowly whisk the wet ingredients into the bowl of dry ingredients.  Mix until just well combined.

4.  Grease the griddle.  Working in batches, pour a little less than 1/4 cup of the pancake batter onto the griddle.  (Note: the batter tends to expand while cooking).  Gently drop about a dozen chocolate chips into each pancake.  Cook the pancakes for about 5 minutes, or until bubbles appear on top and the underside is nicely browned.  Flip the pancakes and cook for another 4 minutes.  If making a second batch of pancakes – and why wouldn’t you – the cooking time may be a bit shorter.

5.  Serve with warm maple syrup and top with extra chocolate chips!