Yield: 6-8 pancakes

Inspired by my recently posted Lemon-Blueberry-Pecan Cookies, these pancakes are a twist on the more traditional blueberry variety. Made with the dried blueberries that I had leftover after making the cookies, these pancakes can be enjoyed even when blueberries are no longer in season. Lemon zest brightens the batter and, though it may sound odd, I highly recommend topping each serving with a lemon wedge and encouraging diners to squeeze the lemon juice over the pancakes and syrup. Wow! The cardamom powder is optional. Though I’m not a huge fan of it in sweet foods–I love it in Indian food–it has a slight lemony undertone that complements these pancakes beautifully.

1/2 cup whole wheat flour
1/2 cup self-rising flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
2 tablespoons brown sugar (or raw sugar)
pinch of cardamom (optional)
1 generous cup unsweetened soy milk (plain or vanilla soy milk would be good too)
1/2-2/3 cup dried blueberries
Zest of 1 lemon
1/2 cup chopped walnuts or walnut pieces
2 scant tablespoons vegan butter (I like Earth Balance)

Topping:
Pure Maple Syrup, gently heated if desired

Garnish:
Lemon Wedges

In a medium mixing bowl, place first 6 ingredients. Make a well in the center and pour in soy milk. Whisk together until almost combined, add blueberries and walnuts and continue whisking until well combined. In a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat, melt 1 scant tablespoon of the butter. Using a 1/3 cup measure, make three pancakes (or a 1/4 cup measure to make 4 pancakes), spreading ever so slightly just to flatten tops. Cook a minute or two on the first side or until just a few bubbles appear, you get a high rise, and the edges appear set. Gently flip and cook another couple of minutes on the reverse. Avoid overcrowding. This batter is thick, but if pancakes look like they are going to run together, just cook a couple at a time, and add butter to keep skillet greased as needed. If pancakes are cooking too quickly, lower heat to medium, especially for second side. When cooked through, remove pancakes to plates or a serving platter, keep warm, and repeat with remaining scant tablespoon of butter and pancake batter.

Serve with maple syrup and top each serving with a lemon wedge. Encourage diners to squeeze lemon over pancakes and syrup.