Ultimate Fluffy Buttermilk Pancakes

Method

1. Preheat your non-stick pan or griddle over medium-low heat to ensure even cooking.
2. Separate the egg: place the yolk in the wet ingredients and the white in a separate bowl to be whipped later.
3. Sift together flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt in a large bowl to aerate the mixture.
4. In another bowl, mix buttermilk, sparkling water, egg yolk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until well combined.
5. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing; lumps are fine.
6. Whip the egg white to soft peaks using a hand mixer or whisk. Gently fold it into the batter with a spatula to retain the airiness.
7. Add a small amount of butter to the preheated pan, wiping off the excess with a paper towel.
8. Use a 1/4 cup measuring cup to pour batter onto the pan. Cook until bubbles form on the surface (about 1-2 minutes), then flip and cook for another 1-2 minutes until golden brown.
9. Warm syrup if desired and serve pancakes stacked with butter, syrup, fresh berries, or your favorite toppings.