Flapjacks vs pancakes vs hotcakes…are they relatives of the pancake?
Pancakes are a very popular choice for breakfast all over the country. You’d probably have a hard time finding someone who doesn’t enjoy a short stack of fluffy pancakes, topped with butter and maple syrup. They’re equally delicious when served simply, or dressed up in many different ways.
There are many different names for pancakes including flapjacks, griddlecakes and hotcakes. All of these items are the same basic ingredients and cooking method, they just may be called a different name depending on region and the restaurant. Typically, in the U.S. flapjacks and pancakes are the same thing, the name is just used regionally. However, you may find some restaurants calling pancakes that are either a little smaller, or larger, than normal, “flapjacks.” Silver dollar pancakes are simply named for their size. In England, a flapjack is not a pancake at all, but a type of sweet bar cooking made from oats.”
A johnnycake is a small pancake made from cornmeal, salt and hot water or milk, rather than wheat flour. Johnnycakes were a staple item for early Americans and now they are very popular in New England, particularly Rhode Island. The South also makes this dish but it is called a hoecake.
Crepes, like those we serve at The Original Pancake House, are very thin pancakes made from flour, milk and eggs. They are very popular in France, Belgium and Switzerland and are served in a variety of ways, both sweet and savory.