Buttermilk Pancakes With Apricot Preserves

TO MAKE THE PRESERVES

Step 1: In a saucepan combine all the ingredients (apricots -cinnamon stick) over medium low heat and stir until sugar dissolves. Increase heat an bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Reduce heat to medium low and simmer until thick and reduced to 1 1/2 cups, occasionally stirring and mashing with back of wooden spoon (50-60 minutes). Discard cinnamon stick. ****can be prepared 3 days ahead, covered and refrigerated. rewarm before serving.

TO MAKE THE PANCAKES

Step 2: In a bowl whisk the first 6 ingredients (flour - nutmeg) together. In another bowl whisk together the wet ingredients (buttermilk - vanilla). Stir wet mixture into the dry mixture just until blended. Fold in the melted butter.

Step 3: Heat griddle or 2 skillets over medium heat ; brush lightly with additional melted butter. Working in batches, pour batter by 1/4 cupfuls onto griddle. Cook pancakes until bottoms are brown and bubbles form on top (2 minutes). Turn pancakes over and cook until bottoms are brown (1 minute). Serve pancakes immediately with warm maple syrup and apricot preserves.