Reading Comprehension – Pumpkin Pancakes

For half the world fall is almost here… the leaves are turning red and brown and yellow and orange, the weather is getting cooler and people are beginning to think of Halloween and Christmas.

Of course, for the other half of the world, spring is arriving: flowers and summer fruit, swimming pools and holidays to the beach.

So we have a two-day special of delicious recipes to keep you all happy (plus, you learn new English vocabulary!)

Today we will look at a yummy autumn recipe:

Pumpkin Pancakes – Ingredients

1 1/2 cups milk
1 cup pumpkin puree
1 egg
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 tablespoons vinegar
2 cups all-purpose flour
3 tablespoons brown sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground allspice
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon salt

Directions

In a bowl, mix together the milk, pumpkin, egg, oil and vinegar. Combine the flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, allspice, cinnamon, ginger and salt in a separate bowl. Stir into the pumpkin mixture just enough to combine.

Heat a lightly oiled griddle or frying pan over medium high heat. Pour or scoop the batter onto the griddle, using approximately 1/4 cup for each pancake. Brown on both sides and serve hot.

Vocabulary

Puree – a thick liquid made by crushing usually cooked food (such as fruits or vegetables).

All-purpose – suitable for many uses.

Baking powder – a white powder that is used to make baked foods (such as cakes and breads) light and fluffy.

Baking soda – a kind of salt that is used to make baked foods (such as cookies and breads) light and fluffy.

Combine – to cause (two or more things) to be together or to work together.

Stir -to mix (something) by making circular movements in it with a spoon or similar object.

Griddle – a flat surface or pan on which food is cooked.

Pour – to cause (something) to flow in a steady stream from or into a container or place.

Scoop – a kitchen tool like a spoon that has a usually thick handle and a deep bowl for taking something from a container.

Batter – a mixture of different ingredients (such as flour, sugar, eggs, and oil) that is cooked and eaten.