Healthy Pancakes, for When You Just Can't Kick the Craving!

I've recently seen several recipes for an oatmeal pancake, and I decided to develop my own recipe of oatmeal pancakes. Somehow I happened to nail it first try (that's actually a first for my recipe experiments!), and I'm excited to share this recipe with you!

Healthy Oat Pancakes (serves 4)

• 2.5 cups Oats
• 1.5 cups Water
• 1.5 cups Milk
• 3 tablespoons Olive Oil
• 1/2 teaspoon Salt
• 2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract
• 1 teaspoon Almond Extract
• Stevia to taste (optional)

As you can see, I used a gluten free version of quick cooking oats. You can use any oats that you wish. I also opted for skim milk to make them healthier, but again, any milk will work. Same thing with the oil. I used olive oil for the good fats that it provides, but you can use any type of oil that you have on hand. I did not include stevia in my pancakes, but if you have a strong sweet tooth, then I would suggest adding a couple packets.

Combine all of the ingredients in a bowl and mix them up. Pour the mixture into a blender and blend until smooth (takes only a minute or two). Pour your mixture back into your bowl.

The rest is easy, just like cooking a normal pancake! I used one ladle full of batter per pancake, and this allows for about 3 pancakes per serving (depending on your ladle size). 

Once your pancakes are done, top them with whatever you choose, and eat up! I've already made them twice now, and the first time I topped them with a little dollop of fat free cream cheese, blueberries, and sprinkles (I'm obsessed with these). The second time I only used sprinkles to save on the calories, and I actually think I like them better plain! 

Nutrition Facts:

• 361 Calories per serving
• 14.5 grams fat
• 44.9 grams carbohydrates
• 12.1 grams protein

The biggest thing to remember with these is that if you used olive or coconut oil, then the fats included are good fats! These carbohydrates are whole grains that will keep you fueled all morning, and having 12.1 grams of protein in pancakes is great! 

Just a side note: they will have a stickier texture since oats are the grain used instead of flour, so keep that in mind! Also, if you store leftover batter in the fridge overnight (like I generally do), it will thicken overnight and get sticky. Don't get worried. Your pancakes will still turn out perfectly! 

Have a great Thursday!

God Bless!

Hannah