Lavender-Chocolate Chunk Pancakes with Crème Frâiche

​Adapted from Food52.com

The tangy crème frâiche, the sweet and sensual chocolate, the citrusy lemon and the floral lavender, the flavors in these pancakes perfectly complement each other to create a full sensory explosion. 

Serving Size-6

Ingredients: 

• 4ounces high quality dark chocolate or chocolate chips
• 1 1/2cups all-purpose flour
• 3tablespoons sugar
• 1 1/2teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4tablespoon sea salt
• 1 to 1 1/2teaspoons dried lavender (to taste)
• 1/2cup crème fraiche
• 1cup whole milk
• 3/4teaspoon lemon zest (optional)
• 1tablespoon vanilla extract
• 2large eggs
• 2-4tablespoons unsalted butter
• Good quality maple syrup (optional)

Instructions: 

1. Cut the dark chocolate into small to medium size chunks (about the size you might find in ice cream) and set aside.
2. Place flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, sea salt, and lavender in a medium size bowl. Mix well.
3. In a separate medium size bowl, add the crème fraiche, milk, lemon zest, vanilla extract and eggs. Using a whisk, mix until well blended.
4. Add the wet ingredients to the flour mixture and whisk only until just combined.
5. Add the chocolate chunks and gently mix again, preferably with a spatula. Do not overmix or the flour will begin to form too many gluten bonds, making your pancakes tough.
6. Heat a non-stick 12-inch skillet (preferably cast iron) for one minute over medium heat, and then add about a tablespoon of butter. Melt evenly throughout the pan.
7. Ladle the batter using a small ladle or a 1/4 measuring cup.
8. Cook for about two minutes, and gently check the bottom of one of the pancakes.
9. Continue cooking until the pancakes are light brown, and then turn over. Cook until the second side is also light brown, about a minute or so.
10. When light brown, remove pancakes and using a paper towel, wipe the skillet. Repeat until all the pancakes are cooked.
11. Serve with or without maple syrup, along with bananas, strawberries, peaches or any other seasonal fruit you like.