Aunt D's Buttermilk Pancakes

Yields 6 servings

Ingredients:
4 Cups flour, all-purpose 
6 Tbls sugar, white divided
2 Tbls baking powder 
1 tsp salt 
4 Cups buttermilk, reduced-fat 
6 Large egg, whole separated
1 Tbls extract, vanilla 
oil, olive cooking spray

Optional:
12 Ounce(wt)s chocolate chips, semisweet mini

Tools Needed:
OXO Good Grips Medium Cookie Scoop
Calphalon Contemporary Nonstick 11-Inch Square Griddle

Directions: 
Whisk flour, 4 tablespoons sugar, baking powder and salt in large bowl to blend. Add buttermilk, egg yolks and vanilla and whisk until smooth (batter will be very thick). 

Using electric mixer, beat whites in medium bowl to soft peaks. Add remaining 2 tablespoons sugar and beat until stiff but not dry; fold into batter. 

Fold in chocolate chips, if using. 

Spray griddle or heavy large skillet with cooking spray over medium-low heat. Working in batches, pour batter by 1/4-cupfuls onto griddle. Cook until pancakes are golden brown, about 3 minutes per side. 

Transfer to plates. Serve with maple syrup.