Monday, February 2, 2009

A Twist on Pancakes


So if you have never heard of coconut flour, it is some pretty great stuff. Technically it is just dried coconut meat that has been ground super fine so that it can be used like flour. The thing is, it is packed with nutrition--hardly empty calories. First of all, it is obviously gluten-free, and is not a grain, so it has those things going for it. In addition, coconut flour has a ridiculous amount of fiber and is low in carbs, making it a great weight-loss food if that's what you are after. There are no phytates in coconut, so there is no need to soak the flour overnight, and it is naturally easy to digest. There is a good amount of protein as well, not to mention all of the other good stuff that comes with eating coconut (so good for you). Of course, it does not work to just use this stuff like you would any other flour--there is not gluten, as I have mentioned, so whatever you make would just fall apart. Recipes using coconut flour usually call for quite a few eggs, as a result, but this just adds to the nutrition, so it works out well!

These pancakes are quite wonderful--and vastly more nutritious than any Bisquick mix! The texture is very fluffy, but not the same "fluffy" as wheat flour pancakes. Nevertheless, I think they are spectacular. When I am on my own, I like to make a big batch and then put the leftovers in a plastic bag in the fridge. They make great snacks spread with butter and honey or topped with almond butter and bananas. The leftovers also lend themselves nicely to a quick breakfast--just like fresh, from the toaster! I love them with plenty of butter and berries, sweetened with a bit of honey or real, pure maple syrup. Oh, and yogurt or kefir also goes wonderfully on top..yum!


Coconut Flour Pancakes

The recipe yield is supposed to be six pancakes, but I always end up with more--I guess I don't make them big enough. They are easier to flip if they are smaller, though, just so you know! I imagine you could add berries or nuts, or what ever you would like, really, and they would still turn out splendidly. Oh, and isn't it neat how the recipe only uses 3 tablespoons of the flour? It still amazes me every time!

3 eggs
3 tbsp butter or coconut oil, melted
3 tbsp milk (coconut, almond...whatever you fancy)
1/4 tsp sea salt
3 tbsp coconut flour
1/2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp cinnamon (optional)

Whisk eggs, butter, milk, and salt together in a medium bowl. Add baking powder, coconut flour, and optional cinnamon, and whisk until well mixed.

Fry in butter or coconut oil in a skillet over medium heat. Serve with lots of butter and honey, real maple syrup, or tangy yogurt. Enjoy your healthy pancakes!

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