Shake It Up with Protein Pancakes

When I was asked to work with Foodiechats and the Georgia Peanut Commission again this year to help introduce a fabulous new Elmhurst 1925 plant-based beverage, I was excited and I knew exactly what I wanted to create. Most of you know, I am a pancake girl, but most pancakes are lacking protein. Not these delicious varieties, made with Elmhurst 1925 Vanilla and Chocolate Protein Shakes, the cleanest shake on the planet!  This plant-based protein shake is an amazing product on its own, in a smoothie, and fabulous in my super healthy pancakes. So Shake It Up!

So, I got in my kitchen and started experimenting.  I must have had 10 mixing bowls, and ingredients scattered everywhere, experimenting with different combinations of textures and flavors, and these were our favorites.  You don’t have to give up protein to enjoy delicious and healthy breakfast pancakes.  

Chocolate Banana Protein Pancakes

Who doesn’t love chocolate and banana anything? These delicious chocolate pancakes have everything you need to get through the day and make a super yummy breakfast treat or dessert! If you are a mocha lover, substitute vanilla with strong coffee or espresso.

1 cup all purpose or gluten free flour (You can also use ½ cup all purpose flour and ½ cup peanut flour. The pancakes will be slightly more dense)

1 T baking powder

1 T organic cane sugar (or 1 T 100% pure maple syrup)

¼ teaspoon salt

1/3 c natural cocoa powder (not dutched)

1 ripe banana

1 egg

1 cup Elmhurst 1925 Chocolate Protein Shake

1 teaspoon vanilla extract (or 1 teaspoon strong coffee or espresso)

1 cup plain or vanilla Greek yogurt (for topping)

¼ c shaved 72% cacao bittersweet chocolate (for topping)

Whisk dry ingredients in a medium bowl until well combined. Set aside. In a food processor or blender, add banana, egg, Elmhurst 1925 Chocolate Protein Shake, and vanilla (and maple syrup if substituting for sugar). Pulse until creamy and well blended. Pour into dry ingredients and stir with a whisk until just combined. Let the batter rest for 10-15 minutes.

Meanwhile, spray skillet or griddle with non-stick spray and heat over medium heat. Using a ¼ cup measuring cup or ice cream scoop, pour batter onto the heated surface and cook until edges are dry and bubbles form in the batter. Turn pancakes  and continue to cook until bottom side is golden brown. Remove to a plate and keep warm in a 250 degree oven until all of the pancakes are done and you are ready to enjoy. Serve with a dollop of Greek yogurt, banana slices (and/or berries) and chocolate shavings, and 100% maple syrup, or your favorite toppings.

Oatmeal Protein Pancakes

These fluffy oatmeal pancakes were my favorite. I loved the scalloped edges that were formed by the oatmeal in the batter and the vanilla flavor is super yummy with warm 100% organic maple syrup.

1 cup all purpose flour or Cup 4 Cup gluten free flour

3 teaspoons baking powder

1 T organic cane sugar or 100% pure maple syrup

¼ teaspoon salt

1 egg 

¾ - 1 cup Elmhurst 1925 Vanilla Protein Shake (based on your preferred texture, ¾ cup for a thicker batter and pancake, 1 cup for a more thin batter, I used ¾ cup)

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 T extra light olive oil

¼ cup whole grain Irish oats

Whisk flour, baking powder, sugar and salt in a medium bowl until well combined. In a separate bowl, whisk together wet ingredients. Pour into dry ingredients and stir with a whisk until just combined. Fold in oats with a spatula and let the batter rest for 10-15 minutes. Gently stir to redistribute oats evenly in the batter just before cooking.

Meanwhile, spray skillet or griddle with non-stick spray and heat over medium heat. Using a ¼ cup measuring cup or ice cream scoop, pour batter onto the heated surface and cook until edges are dry and bubbles form in the batter. Turn pancakes  and continue to cook until bottom side is golden brown. Remove to a plate and keep warm in a 250 degree oven until all of the pancakes are done and you are ready to enjoy. Serve with fresh fruit and 100% maple syrup, or your favorite toppings.

Enjoy adding these super protein packed pancakes to your morning routine, or for special weekend breakfasts with your family!

Sponsored by #Foodiechats via @GeorgiaPeanuts

Gone Nuts...for Peanuts!

One of the biggest food trends this year has been non-dairy milk alternatives, mostly plant based nut milks. Replacing dairy is a great way to enhance your healthy lifestyle! This week's blog includes several fantastic and delicious recipes using peanut milk, both plain and chocolate, from protein packed breakfast muffins, to light and healthy pasta, warm soothing fish curry and decadent desserts, like these gorgeous Peanut Butter Cup Chocolate Cupcakes!

In addition to being high in protein, other incredible health benefits associated with peanuts include biotin, an enzyme healthy B vitamin, heart healthy monounsaturated fats which lower stroke and heart attack risk, antioxidants that neutralize free radicals and reduce cancer risk and consuming peanuts may even protect you from gallstones!

You've seen them all, almond milk, cashew, walnut, even hazelnut milk, but this is the first Peanut Milk, introduced by Elmhurst 1925. (@elmhurst1925) Peanut milk is dairy-free, non-GMO, vegan, lactose free and Kosher. With today's trends in food, turning to a more plant based protein diet, as a replacement for dairy products, nut milks have become a viable and popular alternative. In addition to their already produced almond, hazelnut, cashew, walnut and grain milks (oatmeal & brown rice), Elmhurst (@elmhurst1925) has developed the first peanut milk (regular and chocolate!) and it is delicious! 

They use a patented process called cold milking, producing a nut milk that is super creamy, flavorful and maintains the nutritional integrity of whole, raw Georgia peanuts (@gapeanuts) free of stabilizers, emulsifiers, gums or other chemicals typically used in nut milking and 6 grams of protein in every 8 ounces! (8 grams in the Chocolate variety)

I was honored to be asked, in conjunction with @Foodiechats and the Georgia Peanut Commission (@gapeanuts) to test the product in my kitchen where I had so much fun creating new dishes and improvising with some of my old ones. Check out these amazing recipes using peanut milk! From smoothies and protein packed muffins to start your day, to light and delicious pasta, warm and soothing fish curry and decadent peanut milk desserts! Simple to prepare and oh so tasty! (Simply click on the photos for the recipes!)

With all of these beautiful and delicious options, you can see why I went Nuts for Peanuts and had so much fun cooking with Elmhurst 1925 Milked Peanuts! Not to mention the many health benefits of peanuts!  Can't wait for you to try the recipes and please, send me your photos after you've prepared one of mine, or created one of your own! Hope you are enjoying the start of your summer...