For The Syrup
1 1/2 cups grade A or B maple syrup
1 cup spring water
1 cinnamon stick
1 1/2 lbs Braeburn, Fuji or other firm-flesh apples (about 3 large) – peeled, cored and cut in 1/2" slices
1/4 cup Scotch whisky (use a medium-bodied Scotch with fragrant notes)
1/4 cup walnuts – toasted and broken in small pieces
For The Pancakes
1 1/2 cup organic, unbleached white flour
1/4 cup turbinado sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
pinch sea salt
4 large organic eggs
1 1/2 cups milk
1 1/3 cup fresh ricotta cheese
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest (use microplane grater)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter – melted
melted unsalted butter to brush the pan (about 1 tablespoon)
mint leaves as garnish
Step 1: Heat the maple syrup, water and cinnamon stick in a large saucepan and bring to a boil. Add the apple slices, reduce heat to medium-high and fast simmer for 15 minutes until apples are tender and liquid has reduced by a third. Add the Scotch and continue to fast simmer for another 30 seconds. Transfer to a large bowl and add the walnut pieces. Mix well and set aside to cool to room temperature.
Step 2: In a small bowl mix flour, sugar, baking powder and salt. Set aside.
Step 3: In a large bowl whisk the eggs until lightly beaten. Add the milk, ricotta, vanilla, lemon zest and melted butter and whisk until well blended. Add the dry ingredients to the milk mixture and whisk until just incorporated. The batter should be slightly lumpy.
Step 4: Heat a 7" non-stick frying pan or griddle to medium-high heat. Brush pan with a little melted butter and lower to medium to medium-high heat. Using about 1/2 cup of the batter for each pancake, pour the batter into the pan. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, until the tops of pancake have a few bubbles, edges look dry and bottom is golden. Flip the pancake and cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes until bottom is golden and pancake is cooked through. As the pan gets hotter, you may have to reduce the heat further so the pancakes cook evenly without burning. Brush the pan with a little more butter before cooking the next pancake.
Step 5: Place 2 pancakes in the center of each plate. Top with a few apple slices and drizzle with the syrup. Garnish with a mint leaf and serve immediately.
Cook’s note: To toast the nuts: preheat oven to 350° F. Place nuts on a baking sheet and bake for 6 to 7 minutes until golden. Cool to room temperature before using in the recipe.
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