Lemon-Ricotta Pancakes

INGREDIENTS

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp. baking soda
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1 1/2 cups buttermilk
• 2 eggs, separated
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 3/4 cup whole-milk or part-skim ricotta cheese
• 1 Tbs. grated lemon zest
• 2 tsp. unsalted butter, melted
• 12 strawberries, hulled, sliced and tossed with 1 Tbs. sugar (optional)