A pancake is a thin, flat, round cake that is cooked on a hot surface such as a griddle or frying pan. Pancakes are sometimes referred to as hot-cakes, griddlecakes, or flapjacks. They are a type of batter bread. Archaeological evidence suggests that pancakes were probably eaten in prehistoric societies. The pancake's shape and structure varies worldwide. In the United Kingdom, pancakes are often unleavened and resemble a crêpe. In North America, a leavening agent is used (typically baking powder) creating a thick fluffy pancake. A crêpe is a thin Breton pancake of French origin cooked on one or both sides in a special pan or crepe maker to achieve a lacelike network of fine bubbles. A well-known variation originating from southeast Europe is a palačinke, a thin moist pancake fried on both sides and filled with jam, cream cheese, chocolate, or ground walnuts, but many other sweet or savory fillings can be used. In North America, pancakes are typically considered a breakfast food. Certain types of pancakes are traditionally more popular, such as blueberry, buttermilk or chocolate. They are then topped with fruit, butter or maple syrup. This cookbook is full of delicious mouth-watering pancake recipes for you to make for yourself, your family or any special gathering.