Orange cloud pancakes

Makes 12

3/4	cup cottage cheese
3	eggs, separated
4	tablespoons ( 1/2 stick) unsalted butter, melted and cooled
1	tablespoon orange juice
1/2	cup white whole-wheat flour
1	tablespoon sugar
1/2	teaspoon salt
	Pinch of ground cinnamon
1	tablespoon orange rind
	Vegetable oil (for the skillet)

1. In a food processor, combine the cottage cheese, egg yolks, melted butter, and orange juice. Work the mixture for half a minute or until the cottage cheese is smooth.

2. Add the flour, sugar, salt, and cinnamon. Pulse again until the mixture is smooth.

3. Transfer the mixture to a bowl and stir in the orange rind; set aside for 10 minutes.

4. In an electric mixer, beat the egg whites until they are stiff but not dry. Use a rubber spatula to stir a spoonful of the whites into the orange batter to loosen it. Gently fold in the remaining whites.

5. Set a large skillet over medium heat. Brush the surface with vegetable oil. When the pan is hot enough that a drop of water sputters on it, give the pan a quick swipe with a paper towel to remove the excess oil. Spoon the batter 1/3 cup at a time onto the hot surface.

6. Cook the pancakes, checking them often, until you see small bubbles starting to form around the edges. Flip each and finish cooking the other side until it is golden. Adapted from "King Arthur Flour Whole Grain Baking"