Kahlua & Chocolate Pancakes

Heat the oven to 200 degrees F. Have a baking sheet ready.

Heat the orange juice and sugar in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring to a boil then reduce the heat to a simmer. Let the sauce cook for 15 minutes or until it is reduced to 1 1/4 cups.

Combine the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl. Mix well.

Beat the eggs in another medium-sized bowl. Whisk in the eggs, Kahlua, and melted butter. Slowly stir the egg mixture into the flour mixture and mix until it forms a smooth batter.

Heat 1 teaspoon of shortening in a skillet over medium heat. Add 1/4 cup of the pancake batter to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the top of the pancake forms bubbles. Turn the pancake over and cook for 2-3 additional minutes or until cooked and lightly browned. Transfer the pancake to the baking sheet and keep warm in the oven. Repeat with the remaining pancake batter.

Serve the pancakes with the orange syrup, nuts, chocolate shavings, whipped cream, and fresh fruit, if desired.