Beat all ingredients in a medium bowl with a hand beater until smooth. (For thinner pancakes, stir in 2 to 4 tablespoons additional milk).
Grease a heated griddle, if necessary, with shortening, using a pastry brush. (To see if griddle is hot enough, sprinkle with a few drops of water. If bubbles skitter around, heat is just right).
For each pancake, pour about 1/4 cup of batter onto the hot griddle.
Cook until pancakes are puffed and dry around edges. Turn and cook other sides until golden brown. Serve with applesauce if desired.