Apfelpfannkuchen (German Apple Pancakes)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 475. Peel, core and very thinly slice the apples: you should have approximately 1-1/2 c.. Heat 3 Tablespoons sp. of the butter over medium low heat in a small fry pan, and saute/fry the apples till they are just tender. Keep apples hot while preparing the batter.
2. Place a 9 or possibly 10 inch cast-iron skillet in the oven to heat for at least 5 min-the pan has to be very warm for this to work. When it is well heated, add in the remaining 2 Tablespoons sp. of butter to heat and put the skillet back in the oven; the butter should be very warm buy not brown when you add in the apples and the batter.
3. Place the flour, lowfat milk, vanilla, salt and nutmeg in a blender and whirl till smooth. Remove the skillet from the oven, quickly arrange the hot apple slices over the melted butter, and pour the batter proportionately over all.
4. Bake for 15 minutes., reduce heat to 375 and bake 10 minutes longer. The pancake will puff and climb up the sides of the pan. Sprinkle with confectioner's sugar, then cut in wedges and serve with maple syrup.
5. Note: If you don't use apples, add in 1/4 c. (1/2 stick) butter to the warm skillet.