Cookin' in the Kitch {Granola Bar Pancakes}

I'm gonna say this right up front, these pictures aren't the greatest. It was more of an afterthought to take the pics, & I just wanted to do it real quick so I could dig into these Drool Worthy Pancakes!!! 

I have a habit of throwing things together when I get the urge or inspiration. It just so happens that you are in luck, because I actually used a measuring cup this morning!!! We tend to have a lot of eggs & meat for breakfast, but we have found that although we can eat it over and over and over again...toddlers tend to get a little burned out on eggs. So I like to mix it up & at least twice a week make pancakes.

I know what you're thinking...

"Pancakes? I thought you didn't eat grain! Liar!!!" 

Hold your horses, calm down...just calm down.

You can make pancakes with Almond Flour :) Yes friends, this is the truth I speak...ALMOND Flour. Not only does such a thing exist, it is amazing for cooking & baking. I use Trader Joe's Almond Meal (which is basically almond flour, just not ground as fine). You can get Almond Flour at Whole Foods, the health food store, even some grocery stores. Or just order online, you can get ANYTHING online nowadays, even new kidneys. Hmm, probably shouldn't say stuff like that, now I'm probably flagged for oversea travel...

Back to breakfast- I have a basic recipe I tend to use for pancakes, then I just adjust what I add to it. Here's what I used this morning

Ingredients:

4 Eggs (room temperature)

1/3 c Almond Milk

1 tsp Vanilla Extract

1 TBS Liquid Coconut Oil

2tsp Baking Powder

2 1/2 c Almond Flour

Pinch of Salt

1tsp Cinnamon

1/4 c Coconut Flake

1/4 c mini Chocolate Chips 

(we use Enjoy Life Allergen Free Chips)

1/4 c Chopped Walnuts

1/2 c Dried Cranberries

Mix Wet ingredients in mixing bowl. Then add all of the dry ingredients. Let batter sit for at least 5 mins while you get your pan & oil ready. When Almond flour sits in the liquid it will absorb it & plump up. Heat coconut oil over medium low heat. Using a 1/4 c measuring cup, scoop batter into pan & flatten out a little. You should be able to get 2-3 in your pan or griddle. Flip when bottom gets golden brown, and again pat down in the pan a little. It will probably take you a batch to figure out the timing, but its usually about 2 mins on each side. You will need to add a little more oil with each batch because the batter tends to soak it up a bit. 

Yields about 12 pancakes

As I mentioned above, that picture isn't very pretty...but believe me when I say "These were AMAZINGLY AMAZING!!!". I served them with market fresh sausage patties & fresh fruit salad. 

And not only are they yummy, but good for you too! Dairy free, grain free & soy free. Almonds help with anemia, diabetes, respiratory disorders & more. Cranberries are full of antioxidants, coconut is high in protein, coconut oil contributes to weight loss & digestion  & cinnamon helps with circulation. What a great way to start your morning :)

Let me know if you try them, I love to hear feed back. And don't be afraid to play around with it, try mashed bananas, honey & nuts or blueberry banana, there are LOTS to mix & match :)

*the butter in the picture is Earth Balance dairy-free soy-free spread. It is better than butter in my opinion.