Ingredients

• 12 whole mint sprigs
• 24 whole lemon slices
• Sauce (recipe follows)
• 1 pound 8 ounces (2-3/4 Cups) California ricotta cheese
• 4 cups buttermilk
• 4 ounces butter, melted
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 3 pounds (6 Cups) flour
• 2 ounces (3 tbsp.) sugar
• 2 tablespoons baking powder
• 1 tablespoon baking soda
• 6 whole eggs
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1 teaspoon (or to taste) ground nutmeg

Directions

Beat together ricotta and next 4 ingredients; reserve. Mix dry ingredients. Beat dry ingredients into reserved cheese mixture; reserve.

Per Order: Pour 3 pancakes, 1/3 cup each, into a hot, lightly oiled skillet or onto a grill. Cook over low-medium heat until bottoms are golden brown. Turn; cook second side until golden brown. Serve with 1/4 cup warmed lemon-butter sauce. Garnish with 2 twisted lemon slices and 1 mint sprig.

Lemon-Butter Sauce: In a saucepan mix 1-1/4 cups sugar, 3 tablespoons cornstarch, and 1 large pinch salt. Gradually stir in 1-3/4 cups water and 2/3 cup lemon juice. Bring mixture to a boil; reduce heat to simmer. Cook 2 to 3 minutes, stirring frequently. Stir in 2/3 cup butter and 1 scant tablespoons finely chopped lemon zest until butter melts and mixture is well blended.