Cosmic Pancakes
One day, Alda and I went for our usual morning swim. I had a really great swim and was able to get in some good laps however, as we were walking to the Jeep to head home, I realized I was ravished! A good swim always makes me hungry but today I was depleted. The entire drive home I keep thinking about pancakes.
I remembered when training for Ironman, my coach would tell me that pancakes are always good after a long hard training. My favorite is blueberry pancakes. But I also make some banana walnut pancakes that is Alda’s favorite. All I could do on the way home was talk about making pancakes. I wanted blueberry and she wanted banana walnut. So, I thought, why not both?
When we arrived home, I went right to our kitchen and began to make blueberry, banana walnut pancakes. I then remembered I had a very small amount of Nutella left over from making Nutella Dessert Pizza the other night for guests (recipe for Nutella Dessert Pizza recipe to come!). We very rarely have this in our pantry, but I thought to myself, “What’s the worst that can happen?!”
Alda looked at me laughing and asked if I was going to add anything else. I laughed deeply, looked up at her and blurted it, “Cosmic Pancakes! Yes, Cosmic Pancakes!” And then found myself doing (completely made up on the spot of course) the Cosmic Pancake Dance! Food can be fun, and it can bring you joy! This meal is Whole Plant Based Food & vegetarian if you leave out the Nutella. You can also substitute the flour for gluten free and make this recipe Paleo. So, it really works for everyone. I hope you enjoy my Cosmic Pancakes and love them as much as we do. It is really out of this world!
Cosmic Pancakes Recipe
Ingredients:
1- cup of organic whole wheat flour (I use whole wheat pastry flour, but any flour will do)
2- tbsp of organic cane sugar or any dry sweetener (We use Coconut sugar)
½- tsp of sea salt
1- tbsp of organic baking powder
1- tbsp of organic apple cider vinegar (we make our own or store bought)
1- tsp of organic vanilla
1- cup of plant-based milk (store bought or homemade)
¼- cup of fine chopped organic walnuts
½- cup of fresh blueberries
1- medium banana chopped into smaller chunks
2- tbsp of Chocolate Hazelnut spread; like Nutella (optional) or 1 tsp of cocoa powder
Directions:
- In a large mixing bowl, first thoroughly combine all your dry ingredients: flour, sweetener, salt, and baking powder.
- To a separate bowl, add your wet ingredients: vinegar, vanilla, and plant milk.
- Combine by folding ingredients in and are evenly mixed together. Fold in nuts, fruit and Nutella or cocoa. Let sit for five minutes.
- Heat a non-stick griddle or pan at med-high flame.
- I use the measuring cup to pour the batter unto the skillet. I try to get my pancakes to be around 4” around.
- Wait until the pancake batter bubbles and then use a spatula to check the edges.
- Once golden brown (or to your liking), flip the cake.
- Wait until the steam comes off of the cake and the fruit bubbles. Check the edge to make sure it is golden brown or done to your liking as well.
- Serve hot off the griddle!
These pancakes are so good, we do not even use organic maple syrup! However, we do live in Canada and maple syrup is always an option in our house. Especially because it is Whole Plant Based Food! Enjoy!
Notes:
Remember, there is no set rules when using our recipes. Substitutions are encouraged! Substitute items that fit your eating lifestyle. If you are not able to eat some of the ingredients, no problem! You can use the following substitutes:
- For whole wheat flour, use: Gluten free, Paleo friendly, Almond flour, brown rice flour, or anything else that fits your eating lifestyle.
- Instead of cane sugar, use” coconut sugar, stevia, or any other dry sweetener. This is one case however, you cannot use syrup or dates because it will be too much moisture.
- Instead of plant milk, use: regular milk, soy, oat, cashew milk coconut milk.
- Not able to eat syrup, no problem. Eat then plain or top with vanilla yogurt. If you are looking to reward yourself, put a dap of Nutella on top. It is your choice!
If you enjoy plain pancakes with no frills, you can simply leave everything out from the walnuts down. You can add just bananas and walnuts too. Just blueberries are great. I have even made strawberry or did a mixed berry. You see how many variations of this recipe there are! The possibilities are endless. Have fun with it! And if you are inspired to make up your own “Cosmic Pancake dance”, please be sure to share it with us on our Facebook page!