Chocolate Protein Pancake

Chocolate Protein Pancake

What do you make on a morning when you have a little time to cook yourself breakfast, but not too much time, want something chocolate, but not too sweet, and high in protein?  This pancake! I had heard that you could make a pancake out of nothing but banana and eggs, but honestly that sounded not only boring to me, but a little suspect.  I couldn't really imagine what it would taste like (banana quiche?) and unless I drowned it in syrup I imagine it would be hard to swallow.  So I added in a few of my favorite ingredients to make it chocolate (cocoa powder), heart healthy (nut butter & raw walnuts), and flavorful (cinnamon). I honestly wasn't sure how the end result would be, and if it would taste good enough to eat without butter and syrup on top (which of course makes everything taste better).  I suggest you let it cool for a couple of minutes before eating, to let the chocolate and peanut butter flavors settle, and the addition of the walnuts was a spectacular choice. I didn't have much time to eat it once I was done, but that was no problem since I devoured it in less than five minutes because it was so good.  And extremely filling. It would be a perfect breakfast to serve your kids before a busy morning of school or sports, or for anyone heading to the gym or planning to be active. And it's the type of fullness that feels like you did your body a favor and you're stronger for it.  Definitely going to be on my short list for a go to perfect first meal of the day.  You can use whatever nut butter you prefer, and even add a little honey if you want the pancake sweeter. Or be like my kids, who would inevitably cover it with butter and syrup before gobbling it up.

Gingerbread Pancakes

Gingerbread Pancakes

What do you get when you combine the recipes for Gingerbread Muffins and Buttermilk Pancakes? Gingerbread Pancakes!!  And the perfect Christmas (or any) morning breakfast.  The best part of this recipe is that the batter can be made the night before and then all you have to do in the morning is (get your husband) to cook the pancakes!  And you honestly don't even need syrup or anything else on them.  They are high in fiber and whole grains and all of the spices make them especially good for you, and tasty!!  You can easily make them vegan by using the soaked chia seeds instead of eggs, oil instead of butter and soy milk and vinegar instead of buttermilk.  Either way, they are super simple, and absolutely unforgettable. I am so glad I took the time to figure out this recipe and that they turned out so perfectly on the first try.  Considering this was the first Christmas morning my family and I didn't travel to visit any extended relatives, it was important to me to have a memorable morning meal for my family of four. And the left overs are great heated up in the toaster as well!!  

Maple Blueberry Corn Cakes (Vegan)

Maple Blueberry Corn Cakes

I don't usually have boxed baking mixes on hand, but a few weeks ago I picked up a corn muffin mix because my son loves cornbread and I thought maybe I could use the mix to make something he would enjoy.  Since I rarely follow anyone else's recipe, never mind the instructions on the back of a box, this recipe is completely my own invention inspired by the fact that I had a bag of frozen blueberries that had been in my freezer for awhile and three bottles of maple syrup filling up a pantry shelf.  These are very much like pancakes, but with the hearty texture of cornmeal, and the built in sweetness from maple syrup.  We served them with more pure maple syrup to pour over top, but they don't even need it.  They are sweet, hearty, moist and definitely a perfect weekend breakfast.  Why not try them tomorrow??