Apple Butter Hotcakes

Everyone's making apple butter up here in the Northwest. We were lucky and had some bestowed on us. So, we made these! I found them last year from Better Homes and Gardens. They are really yummy with the flavored butter and cherry syrup, BUT they are just as delicious plain with powdered sugar or syrup. Enjoy and happy fall!

Apple Butter Hotcakes

½ c butter, softened

¼ c honey

¼ tsp cinnamon

12 oz package pitted cherries

½ c cherry jam or preserves

1 tsp finely shredded orange peel

1 ½ c regular or buttermilk pancake mix

¾ c milk

2 Tbsp oil

2 eggs

½ c apple butter

For flavored butter, in a small mixing bowl, use a small whisk to combine butter, honey, and cinnamon. Whisk until well combined; set aside. For cherry sauce, in a medium saucepan, combine frozen cherries, cherry jam, and orange peel. Bring to boiling over medium heat, stirring frequently; reduce heat. Simmer, uncovered, for 10 minutes or until sauce has thickened slightly. Cover and set aside; keep warm. In a medium bowl, stir together pancake mix, milk, oil, eggs, and apple butter. Stir just until moistened (batter should still be lumpy). For mini-size hot cakes, spread about 1 tablespoon batter into a 1-1/2-inch circle onto a hot lightly greased griddle or heavy skillet. (For standard-size hot cakes, spread about 1/4 cup batter into a 4-inch circle.) Cook over medium heat about 2 minutes on each side or until hot cakes are golden brown, turning to second sides when hot cakes have bubbly surfaces and edges are slightly dry. Serve warm with flavored butter and cherry syrup.