Grilled Pancakes

I had one of those "what if..." moments this morning. I was putting away last nights dishes, and Samantha wanted pancakes. Both normal parts of a Saturday morning. Then I saw my George Foreman grill, still sitting out on the counter from last nights grilled shrimp and mahi, and that's when I thought ... "what if I just made the pancakes on the grill." This thought had nothing to do with not wanting to wash the pancake skillet. Nothing at all.

But figuring that the worst thing that would happen was that Samantha would end up with raison toast for breakfast if the pancakes were a flop, I went ahead and gave it a try. Pancakes have never been easier.






First, the set up. Since the grill was already out, I just had to slide a plate under the front legs to make the cooking surface level. I use a pre-packaged pancake mix, so my little helper pulled that out for me. Add a whisk and a measuring cup to mix/pour from, and we're all set. Coffee and laptop are optional accessories. Plug in the grill so it can get hot while you're mixing. I used the highest setting, and it made 3 minute pancakes.



Measure out the mix and water, and let your helper get to work. Or, if you find yourself without a helper, stir it yourself. It's just a little wrist action, it won't hurt.



Now pour the batter onto the preheated surface. Hopefully you've propped up the front of the grill so your batter doesn't run out onto the countertop. See ** below.



Close the lid, and let it be for about two minutes. If you smell burning pancakes, it's a good sign you'll need to lower your heat setting. High worked for me just fine, and there was no burning involved. This is a good time to drink that coffee or check out some messages online. Do it quick though - those pancakes are almost ready to eat.



After two minutes or so, open the lid. With my grill, the tops weren't cooking quite as fast as the bottoms. But they are holding their shape very, very nicely. Slip a rubber spatula (no metal on the grill please!) under an edge and flip those babies over. Mmmmm. Looking good. Close the lid for another minute. Good time to grab the syrup and pop it in the micro for 30 seconds, if you like your syrup warm.


Now open the lid and look. You should see ready to eat pancakes! Ok, they're shaped a little oddly - but you know, those ridges are great for catching the syrup and holding it there. Mmmm.



Time for the taste test.


She likes them! She really, really likes them!

Cleanup was a breeze. Wipe off the cooking surface, wash out that mixing cup and whisk, and you're done. And the pancakes tasted yummy perfect. Who'd of thought George Foreman would make great pancakes too?


**I'm going to assume that if you're going to try this at home, you've got the intelligence to do some simple things. Like level out your surface by slipping a plate under the front legs;

don't dribble batter into the screw holes or any other openings; and for heavens sake don't touch the grill surface with your bare fingers after it's hot. Because, you know, its hot. Children should not be pouring the batter, or flipping the pancakes, or in any way touching the grill. Because, you know, it's hot.


So now I'm wondering what else I can cook on my Foreman Grill. Suggestions? What's the oddest thing you've ever cooked on yours?