Ingredients

  • 1 stick unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 vanilla bean, split and seeded (scrape seeds with the back of a knife)
  • 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 pinch ground cinnamon
  • 1 tablespoon confectioners sugar
  • 1 pinch sea salt
  • 1 1/2 cups pure maple syrup
  • 1 3-inch piece vanilla bean, split and seeded
  • 1 pinch ground cinnamon
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher or sea salt
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • 1 cup buttermilk, well-shaken
  • vegetable oil for griddle

Method

  • For vanilla butter: Place vanilla seeds, vanilla extract, cinnamon, sugar and sea salt in a medium bowl with softened butter. Combine well with wooden spoon, tines of a fork or a hand mixer.
  • Place compound butter onto a sheet of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Shape into a log, wrap well and refrigerate until ready to use.
  • For vanilla maple syrup: Add vanilla bean, vanilla seeds and cinnamon to maple syrup in a medium saucepan over medium-low heat. Simmer for about five minutes, remove and discard bean.
  • For vanilla pancakes: Whisk flour, baking soda, salt, egg, buttermilk, cinnamon, vanilla bean, vanilla extract and sugar in large bowl until well combined. Thin with water or buttermilk as necessary, a tablespoon at a time.
  • Heat griddle or skillet over moderate heat. Brush lightly with oil. Using a 1/3 cup-measure, pour pancake batter onto griddle and cook until bubble form on surface. Flip and cook on opposite side for about two minutes.
  • Transfer pancakes to a heatproof plate or platter and keep warm in 200-degree oven, covered. Serve with vanilla butter and vanilla syrup.