Lemon-Ricotta Pancakes with Caramelized Apples

I found this recipe in the "Dash" newspaper insert and decided to give it a try.  I made these pancakes for my husband and son one weekend .. this is a keeper!  I know the other 3 kids will love it as much as we did.  They cook up so light and fluffy, yet they are filled with protein and the lemon zest really added to them.  

I'm thinking a blueberry compote would go well with these, also.

                              


Ingredients

For the sautéed apples

• 4 large Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
• 2 Tbsp. unsalted butter
• 3 Tbsp. sugar
• 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
• fresh lemon juice to taste

For the pancakes

• 4 large eggs, separated
• 1 1/3 cups ricotta cheese
• 1 ½ Tbsp. sugar
• 1 ½ Tbsp. freshly grated lemon zest
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• melted butter for brushing the griddle

Directions
Prepare the sautéed apples:
1. In a large heavy skillet sauté the apples in the butter over moderately high heat, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes, or until they are softened.
2. Sprinkle them with the sugar and the cinnamon, and cook them over moderate heat, stirring occasionally, for 5 to 10 minutes, or until they are tender.
3. Stir in the lemon juice and keep the mixture warm.

Make the pancakes:
4. In a bowl whisk together the egg yolks, the ricotta, the sugar, and the zest; add the flour, and stir the mixture until it is just combined.
5. In a bowl with an electric mixer beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until they hold stiff peaks, whisk about one fourth of them into the ricotta mixture, and fold in the remaining whites gently but thoroughly.
6. Heat a griddle over moderately high heat until it is hot enough to make drops of water scatter over its surface and brush it with some of the melted butter. Working in batches, pour the batter onto the griddle by ¼ cup measures and cook the pancakes for 1 to 2 minutes on each side, or until they are golden, brushing the griddle with some of the melted butter as necessary.
7. Transfer the pancakes as they are cooked to a heatproof platter and keep them warm in a preheated 200°F. oven.
Serve the pancakes with the sautéed apples and the maple syrup.


Source:  October 2013 "Dash" newspaper insert