In a large bowl, combine the first 8 ingredients (the all-purpose flour through salt).

In another bowl, beat together the buttermilk, oil, vanilla and egg. Add egg mixture all at once to flour mixture, stirring just enough to make a creamy batter with some lumps.

In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Pour about 1/4 cup batter into the hot skillet, spreading batter if necessary. For dollar-size pancakes, use about 1 tablespoon batter.

Cook over medium heat for 1 to 2 minutes on each side or until pancakes are golden brown, turning to the second side when pancakes have bubbly surfaces and edges are slightly dry.

If desired, serve with warm maple syrup.