Cooked rice is the secret ingredient in these festive praline pancakes with a delicious homemade caramel syrup.

Praline Pancakes with Caramel Syrup

Caramel Syrup:
1 cup granulated sugar
2/3 cup hot water
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Praline Pancakes:
1 1/2 cups milk
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
4 large egg yolks, beaten
2 teaspoons brandy
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 cup cooked rice, cooled
1/2 cup pecans, coarsely chopped

1. For Caramel Syrup: Heat sugar in medium skillet over medium heat until it begins to melt and turn golden, 10 to 12 minutes. Continue to cook, stirring constantly, until sugar caramelizes. Carefully stir in water; stir to dissolve lumps. Remove from heat and add vanilla. Set aside.
2. For Praline Pancakes: Combine milk, butter, egg yolks, brandy, vanilla, flour, sugar, baking powder, salt and cinnamon in large bowl; beat well. Stir in rice and pecans.
3. Pour 2 tablespoons batter for each pancake into greased griddle or skillet. Cook until top is bubbly and underside is lightly browned, about 1 minute. Turn pancakes and lightly brown other side.
4. Serve warm, drizzled with Caramel Syrup.

Makes 6 servings.

Recipe provided courtesy of the USA Rice Federation.