Silver-Dollar Sorcery

Soak the raisins in water (make sure all the raisins are covered) for 30 minutes. (Drain. Reserve the water for later use.) Raisins will plump up.

Prepare the pancake mix according to the package directions. Add the semisweet baking chips.

Spray a pan with the nonstick spray, then heat the pan over medium-low heat. Sprinkle a few drops of water on the pan. When the water sizzles and disappears, the pan is ready.

Drop the pancake mixture onto the hot pan, using a tablespoon to make 12 silver-dollar pancakes. When the pancake bubbles on top, turn and brown them on the other side. When done, remove from the pan.

Spray a pan with nonstick spray and place it over low to medium heat. Add the sliced apples and cook 3-5 minutes. Add the raisins, reserved raisin water, vanilla bean (or vanilla extract), and cinnamon. Cook until the liquid is reduced by three-fourths, about 3-5 minutes. Then, stirring the mixture, add the margarine until it it melted.

Set 3 warm silver-dollar pancakes on each plate. Spoon the warm apple mixture over the pancakes. Add a dollop of the nonfat whipped topping, if you wish. Serve.