Orange Ginger Ricotta Pancakes

I've been playing with this recipe for a while, trying to get it to have the right consistency.  I finally settled on the recipe below.  It's a fun twist on pancakes, and very different than the usual berries and chocolate.  I recently bought crystallized ginger bits from Penzeys, and somehow a few made it into the pancake (since I usually eat them like candy!).

Ingredients

1 egg

3/4 cup ricotta cheese

3/4 cup milk

1 tsp vanilla extract

zest from 1 orange

1 tbsp baking powder (NOT baking soda)

1 cup flour

1/2 tsp salt

1 tbsp sugar

2 tbsp crystallized ginger bits (~1/8 inch pieces)- you can also add chocolate chips if you do not like ginger

Directions

1.  Whisk the egg until it is light and fluffy.

2.  Whisk in the ricotta cheese, milk, vanilla, and orange zest.  Make sure any large chunks of ricotta are broken up.

3.  Use a spatula or wooden spoon to mix in the baking powder, flour, salt, and sugar.  Do not over-mix or the pancakes will become tough.  This will be a thicker batter than regular pancakes.

4.  Heat a non-stick pan or griddle pan on med-high.  The pan is ready when you sprinkle a bit of water and it skitters across the surface.  Lightly butter the pan and then pour ~1/4 cup of pancake batter on the pan.  Sprinkle the crystallized ginger bits on top of the batter.  When you see bubbles form all over the surface and the outside edge (~1 inch) looks dry, flip them and cook the other side.

5.  Remove and serve with your favorite toppings!