Preheat a griddle or heavy skillet over medium heat.
1. Combine the first four ingredients in a large bowl and whisk together well.
2. Float all the dry ingredients on the wet ingredients and stir in with a whisk. Just stir enough to combine; don't stir so well that all the lumps of dry flour are gone. If the batter seems too thick. add a little water (about 1/4 cup).
3. If you can. let the batter sit out for about ten minutes before making the pancakes. This is not essential. but it definitely makes a fluffier flapjack.
4. The griddle or skillet are hot enough when a drop of water dances across its surface. Spread about 1/4 tsp. butter on the hot surface and immediately pour on the batter to the desired size. Cook until bubbles break on top. then turn the pancake over. The second side will take about half as long as the first side..TIP. It seems to be a law of nature that the first pancake is the worst one of the batch. Make that one small. and don't plan on giving it to the kids.

Makes about ten good-sized pancakes.