I work with batter and treat decorating all day long and I still can't make a freehand Mickey Mouse or butterfly pancake without them turning into unidentifiable blobs… but I have a secret! Instead of splurging on pricey (and impractical) pancake molds, I make plain ol' round pancakes, then cut them into shapes using cookie cutters. Keep this idea in your back pocket; the shape combinations are endless and it's much easier than designing your pancakes on a hot griddle. Want to give it a try? Here's a super-simple way to make Four-Leaf Clover Pancakes at home.
1. Prep the Batter: Start with your favorite pancake batter, homemade or from a mix. We have a great recipe for Buttermilk Pancakes (and here's one for Whole Grain Pancakes, too)! Stir in green food coloring (details, below) and cook as the label/recipe directs. Try to keep pancakes about the same size as your cutter to avoid excess scraps.
2. Cut Out Shapes: Transfer pancakes to a cutting board. For one four-leaf clover, cut four pancakes into heart shapes using a medium to large cookie cutter; reserve the scraps — you'll use them to make the clover stems.
3. Assemble the Clover: Arrange four pancake hearts, point-side in, on a plate, overlapping slightly. Slide one piece of trimmed scrap under the hearts to look like a stem.
4. Top and Serve: Reheat pancakes on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet in a 300˚ oven, if desired. Top with butter and maple syrup before serving.
TELL US: Do you have a family-favorite recipe for St. Patrick's Day?
Erin Phraner is an associate food editor in the Good Housekeeping Test Kitchen.
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