• Add the ricotta to a food processor and blend until completely smooth, scraping down the sides of the bowl when needed.
• In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, soda and salt. Whisk together until combined. In a smaller bowl, whisk together the ricotta, milk, lemon zest, lemon juice, vanilla extract and butter. Add the wet ingredients to the dry, mixing until smooth and combined.
• Heat a large skillet or electric griddle over medium heat. Add a bit of butter if desired, then pour 1/4 cup of batter on the hot skillet and repeat, leaving an inch between pancakes. Cook until the pancakes bubble on the top and edges, about 2 minutes. Flip and cook for another minute or two until golden and set. Top the pancakes with some chopped bittersweet chocolate and the lemon glaze.

lemon glaze

• Whisk all ingredients together until smooth. If the glaze is too thick, add more liquid (lemon juice, water or milk) 1 teaspoon at a time. If it’s too runny, add more sugar (1 tablespoon at a time) until it reaches the desired consistency.