Pumpkin Buttermilk Pancakes

October is already off to a great start. We spent last Saturday and Sunday in gorgeous Charlottesville, where we were tasting wines and taking in views at Trump Winery and Blenheim Vineyards. I'd definitely recommend visiting both of these if you're in the Piedmont area - and in the mood for good wine!

October also means we, the people, now have permission to use pumpkin everywhere without restraint and without fear of being basic. Let's be honest, what else is there to do in the fall besides...pumpkin-ing everything? Yep, I'm using pumpkin as a verb here.

We've been pumpkin-ing these thick, delicious Buttermilk Pancakes before October arrived, but I wanted to wait until the official start of the season to share the recipe.

Adding real pumpkin puree and seasonal spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves to our standard Buttermilk Pancake recipe takes fall brunch to a whole new level. These are so easy that there's no need for Bisquick anymore. Top with chopped, toasted pecans for a hearty crunch!

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Buttermilk Pancakes

• 1¾ cups flour, sifted*
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 cups buttermilk
• 2 teaspoons sugar
• 1½ teaspoons baking powder
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 2-4 tablespoons butter, melted

For Pumpkin Buttermilk Pancakes, add:

• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
• ¼ cup pecan pieces, toasted (optional, for topping)

1. Sift flour before measuring in a large mixing bowl. Then resift with sugar, salt, baking powder, and baking soda.

2. Mix eggs with buttermilk.

3. Combine dry ingredients with liquid ingredients, then add butter. Mix well, but with few strokes. Batter will be lumpy.

4. Cook on hot, greased griddle.

*If you don't have a sifter, you can use a strainer. If you don't have a strainer, you can also mix flour with a wire whisk or a fork. You won't get the flour quite as light as when sifting, but this will work to break up any clumps and fluff up the flour a bit.