The “Totally Good for You” Pancake

It was a big morning at the Your Healthiest You kitchen.

I tried a recipe I’ve wanted to take a stab at for weeks now. This is a big deal for me because despite all my kitchen abilities and simple love of just hanging out in there, I rarely try “recipes” from start to finish, preferring to keep a well-stocked home with pantry basics and whatever veggies and proteins inspire me or are available from my CSA that week.

But this one looked too good and too interesting not to try.

It’s a 100% good for you protein pancake.

I have been hearing so much about these; Joy Bauer did a version here, tons of pro-Paleo site have been blogging about them here, and even my holistic health community peers are getting on the train.

So naturally I had to see what this was all about for myself.

I have long been a fan of Sun Warrior protein powder and I thought, what a cool new use for it! It is my protein powder of choice for my smoothies and the one I almost always recommend to my clients. It is raw, vegan, organic and delicious. I’ve always loved my morning smoothie but when my hubby requested something a little different for his birthday breakfast recently I immediately thought it was time to bust out the pancakes. I searched what felt like a million recipes and headed to the kitchen to try a couple out and make my own YHY version.

I absolutely could not believe the results. It was delicious, sooo filling and totally good for you. It felt and tasted just like a decadent pancake, almost a muffin or baked good that I rarely indulge in because of hidden ingredients and the inevitable rise in my sugar cravings later in the day. I’m sure once I make these guys a few more times and get a “recipe memory” (just like muscle memory!) they could almost be a contender for my beloved morning smoothie. Almost 🙂

YHY Protein Pancakes
Serves 1 or 2 (I had one and a small smoothie)

2 tbsp chickpea or coconut flour (you could also experiment with other gluten-free flours)
1 tbsp coconut butter (can substitute coconut oil or omit completely)
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp coconut palm sugar
2 egg whites plus 1 whole egg, beaten in a separate bowl then added to the mixture
¼ cup of oats
1 scoop Sun Warrior vanilla protein powder
½ tsp baking powder
2-4 tbsp almond milk (or any non-dairy milk)

Toppings:
Shmear of almond butter
Sliced banana
Ground flax meal
Unsweetened shredded coconut
Maple syrup

Directions:
1. Combine all ingredients (except milk) in a blender or food processor (I used my Cuisinart mini-prep) and blend away. If the batter is too thick you may need to add a splash of milk to thin.
2. Heat pan over medium heat and add butter (I used goat’s milk butter) or spray.
3. Pour batter onto a pan over medium heat to form two pancakes.
4. Cook for a few minutes on each side until golden brown.
5. Transfer to a plate, add your favorite toppings and enjoy!

Now I want to hear from you! What do you think of the idea protein pancakes? Does protein powder totally freak you out?