Whole Wheat Pumpkin Pancakes

Feels like it's been a while since I've had a recipe to share.  I'm finally getting back into the kitchen and doing some baking.  Since it's fall I've been using pumpkin.  And I have some to use up.  So yesterday morning I decided to make pumpkin pancakes for Rebecca.  But realized I didn't really have a good recipe.  I tried this recipe a while back that was ok, but not great.  So I looked at my stack of pancake recipes and decided to use my MIL's applesauce pancake recipe and modify it a little.  These turned out great!  They really puffed up.  I was surprised how much they puffed.  I think you could split them open and fill them with cream cheese or something for a really tasty treat.  We just had them with maple syrup.  Two thumbs up from the whole family :)  Maybe next time I'll try soaking the flour ahead of time...when I actually plan on making them instead of deciding 5 min. beforehand.  These freeze well.  Glad to have a few pancakes in the freezer now.

*Edited 4/9/11 - I made a batch of soaked pumpkin pancakes today.  Still turned out great!  Still puffed up nicely.  The only difference...they'll be easier on your tummy :)

Whole Wheat Pumpkin Pancakes

1 egg
3/4 - 1 cup buttermilk (or sour milk...milk + vinegar)
1/2 cup pumpkin puree
2 Tbsp. oil (you can use melted coconut oil, evoo or skip it and add a little extra pumpkin or some applesauce)
1 cup whole wheat flour
1 Tbsp. sugar
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
(spices - cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, pumpkin pie - optional)

Beat egg. Add pumpkin and oil.  Mix well.  Add remaining ingredients and beat. Use 1/4 - 1/3 cup batter per pancake.  Spread out on pan.  Cook on hot griddle.  Makes 8-10 pancakes.

Serve topped with butter, maple syrup or fruit topping.  Or split in half and fill with cream cheese first and top with syrup.

To Soak Grains:
Mix flour and buttermilk (or yogurt or kefir).  Cover and let sit overnight.  Add remaining ingredients and beat well (I recommend using a mixer for this...grains that are soaked can get pretty thick).  If too thick add extra buttermilk.