Friday, November 21, 2014

Fluffiest whole wheat chia flax pancakes



Mornings are only good for two things. 

1. Sleeping in or 
2. Eating pancakes

To say that I love breakfast food would be quite the understatement, but on most days I get by with simple things like yogurt, toast with cream cheese and peanut butter, and coffee that I can grab in my zombified state before dragging myself out to my 9AM class. You know, that lazy college student life.

But if I do get a chance to make myself a hot breakfast, these pancakes are a delicious choice! They're fast (not talkin' Aunt Jemima here, but close), easy to make, and oh-so-fluffy. Seriously. IT'S SO FLUFFY, I'M GUNNA DIE!

Better yet, they're made healthy with the goodness of whole wheat flour, chia seeds, and ground flax for tons of healthy carbohydrates, omega 3's, fiber, and a punch of protein: the perfect balance offset by drowning in maple syrup. Yes, these are so worth getting out of bed for.

Whole Wheat Chia Flax Pancakes
Makes 3-4 pancakes

Ingredients:
  • 2 tablespoons plain greek yogurt
  • 1 teaspoon chia seeds
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground flax seeds
  • 1/4 cup whole wheat flour
  • 1 egg white
  • 2-3 tablespoons milk
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 tablespoon sugar (optional but highly recommended)
  • Butter or spray for the pan
Directions:
  1. In a medium bowl, combine chia seeds and ground flax with 2 tablespoons of milk and set aside to allow the ingredients to absorb the milk and slightly gelatinize
  2. In a medium bowl, beat the egg whites with an electric whisk until medium peaks form
  3. When the mix mixture has gelatinized, add in the greek yogurt, mix, and then sift in flour, salt, sugar, and baking powder. Mix for no more than 30 seconds; it is okay to have some lumps, you want to prevent overtaxing for maximum tenderness and fluffiness
  4. Carefully fold the egg whites in the batter, making sure to not deflate the eggs
  5. Heat a pan or griddle to medium heat, butter or spray it, and pour the batter in about 3 inch rounds. You can add some fruit, nuts, or chocolate chips to the pancakes when bubbles start forming on the edges
  6. Flip the pancakes when you start seeing bubbles pop and cook on the other side for about 30-45 seconds until golden brown
  7. Serve drown in maple syrup. Do it. It's good for the soul