You’ll need a large, medium, and small bowl.

In a small bowl, place the 2 large egg whites (be careful not to get any yolk in them or they won’t whip properly), and whip until soft fluffy peaks form, about 2 minutes with an electric mixer. You can do this by hand with a whisk, so just keep going until your egg whites are nice and foamy. Set aside.

In a medium bowl or large measuring cup, combine the buttermilk, 2 large egg yolks, vanilla extract, pumpkin, and whole milk ricotta. Using an electric mixer, beat everything together until smooth and well blended, about a minute.

In a large bowl, add the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves. Whisk until thoroughly combined. Make a slight well in the center, and pour in the buttermilk mixture. Using a whisk or rubber spatula, gently mix the wet ingredients with the dry just until starting to combine. You should still see some small streaks of flour. Now, add the whipped egg whites and fold those in very gently. Being gentle will allow them to keep their airy texture and not deflate. When you see faint streaks of egg whites that haven’t been incorporated, add the cooled melted butter. Fold that in very gently. By now, your entire batter should be well mixed. No streaks of butter, flour, or egg whites visible. Lumps are fine! Don’t try to beat out all the lumps. Let the batter rest for 10 minutes while you clean up and pre-heat your griddle.

If using an electric griddle, set the heat to 300 degrees, no higher than 325 degrees. If using a skillet, set it over medium-low heat. When the griddle or skillet is hot, add about a tablespoon of butter and grease the entire bottom generously. You’ll know it’s hot enough when the butter stars to sizzle nicely (it should not be burning!). Adjust the heat as necessary.

Pour the batter onto the griddle or skillet using a 1/3-cup measurer (a 1/3-cup measure will yield 12 pancakes). Or, make them as little or as big as you’d like. Let them cook for 2-4 minutes on the first side, this will depend on the heat and size of the pancake. Flip them over when the edges are golden brown and buttery. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes on the second side.

Serve with warm maple syrup and enjoy!