I recently moved to Brooklyn.  Being constantly surrounded by incredible food has inspired me to re-dedicate myself to finding the very best pancakes everywhere I go.  The Fluff or Flop rating system is on a scale of 1-5 – partial points are allowed and you’ll see our ~official~ rating at the bottom of each post.

First stop for BK pancakes was Sunday in Brooklyn in Williamsburg.  Well known for their pancakes, which are thick and apparently very inta-worthy, and covered with a hazelnut maple sauce, it’s important to note that if you don’t have a reservation you’ll be waiting for quite some time.  We thought it would probably be worth it.

Overall, the pancakes were pretty good.  They are cakey, and we felt the pancake itself lacked flavor (apparently there is a malted milk powder added into the batter, but it may have been overpowered by the sauce on top which is intense and lingered on the tongue).  The hazelnut maple praline topping was definitely unique and well done, but the almost umami flavor that filled the back of the mouth within a second of taking a bite was a bit overwhelming.

The ambiance alone at Sunday in Brooklyn is enough to book yourself brunch there next weekend.  Especially on the second floor, surrounded by windows and filled with lights and greenery, you’re bound to feel at ease and ready to eat and enjoy the company of friends and family.

Fluff or Flop score: 3/5

Sometimes, you just want to stay at home, in your sweat pants with your legs sprawled out and enjoy some cakes. Sometimes, you’ve had a long week and want some delicious, easy, at-home comfort in the form of sweet fluffy mouth pillows. And, sometimes (all the time), we’re on a budget and homemade is good options.

Whatever it is, this EASY at-home pancake recipe is for you. Coconut sugar ads a nutty taste (plus less sugar than traditional cane sugar!) to the pancakes while the cinnamon adds some spice. Use the Classic Recipe Birch Benders mix, add some water, and you’ve got yourself a simple yet delicious mix. The key here is to cook these to perfection – once the bubbles start forming on the batter-side of the pancakes, you’ll want to flip. Only keep them on the skillet for another 1-1:30 minutes on the second side (this part is applicable if you are following Birch Bender pancakes per portion of mix ratios).

Full Recipe:

1 serving Birch Benders Classic Recipe

2 tsp coconut sugar (I love Wholesome brand) – 1 tsp in mix, 1 for topping

1/4 tsp cinnamon

Water to desired consistently (add slowly, and continue mixing until batter is thick but clump-less)

Butter – for pan and for topping off those perfectly golden-brown cakes

Enjoy!