Melt 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) butter. In a medium bowl, whisk together melted butter, buttermilk, vanilla extract and eggs. Whisk buttermilk mixture into flour mixture, mixing as little as possible to make a thick (and lumpy) batter. Do not overmix; too much stirring will result in tough pancakes.
Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon butter and heat until butter's foam subsides. Ladle in about 1/2 cup of batter and cook, turning once, until pancake is deep golden brown on both sides, about 4 to 5 minutes total. Repeat process with additional butter and remaining batter. Serve hot, topped with butter and maple syrup.
Nutrition information per each of 8:
Calories325Fat19 gSodium776 mg
Carbohydrates31 gSaturated fat12 gCalcium223 mg
Protein7 gCholesterol95 mgDietary fiber1 g