Buttermilk Corn Pancakes with Macerated Strawberries

Ingredients

For the Strawberries:

2 (16-ounce) containers strawberries, hulled and sliced
5 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon grated fresh orange zest

For the Pancakes:
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
2/3 cup yellow cornmeal
1 tablespoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1 cup buttermilk
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 tablespoon maple syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
8 teaspoons canola oil, divided

Directions

1. Combine the strawberries, sugar, vinegar, and orange zest in a bowl. Toss well and refrigerate at least 1 hour, tossing occasionally.
2. Combine the flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. In a separate bowl whisk together the eggs, buttermilk, melted butter, maple syrup, and extract. Whisk the egg mixture into the flour mixture until smooth.
3. Preheat the oven to 200°F.
4. Spread 2 teaspoons of the oil on the surface of a large nonstick skillet and heat over medium. Pour in three scant 1/4 cupfuls of batter and cook until the top of the pancakes have some bubbles and the bottoms are lightly golden brown, about 1 1/2 to 2 minutes. Flip the pancakes over and cook 1 to 1 1/2 minutes longer until browned. Transfer to a baking sheet and place in the warm oven. Repeat with remaining oil and batter.
5. Serve the pancakes topped with the strawberries and their juice.