I quickly gave him a rundown of some things that make me happy… spending time with family & friendstea & dessertmy BLOG!travelingcooking & bakingshoppingenjoying my love for designer bags And then he looked at me with dismay, almost as though he pitied me, because I hadn’t a clue. I retaliated back saying, “whatever, I don’t need to justify myself, this is what makes me happy, and just because I don’t have kids doesn’t mean I don’t know what happiness means. What’s on your list?” I waited for a smart ass reply… and he simply responded, “health.” Instantly I realized he was right, but unfortunately more often than not I take my health for granted, assuming it will always be perfect. Sadly though, what it took was a recent tragic event that occurred in my family which brought me to the revelation that health IS happiness, yes indeed. Nowadays I am grateful for my health, more than ever, and I enjoy the other “some shallow” things on my list knowing that it could all end in a moment’s notice without my good health. So to all of you celebrating Thanksgiving this year, how about a toast to GOOD HEALTH, huh? Happy Thanksgiving!!! May you all enjoy this holiday celebrating with family & friends and find something you are truly grateful for. NUTRITION: Whole Wheat Pastry Flour is a great source of Protein and Fiber. Pumpkin is rich in Vitamin A and Fiber. Milk is a very good source of Calcium and Vitamin D. It is also a good source of Protein, Vitamins A and K. These pancakes aren’t terribly unhealthy, however for a more healthier alternative swap out 1 tbsp of butter and susbtitute oil. Additionally, skip adding butter on top, and drizzle very little maple syrup. INGREDIENTS (makes 6 to 7 pancakes):
Whole Wheat Pastry Flour – 1 1/4 cups Baking Powder – 2 tsp Cinnamon – 1 tsp Nutmeg – 1/4 tsp Ginger Powder – 1/8 tsp Salt – 1/4 tsp Egg – 1 Milk 2% Reduced Fat – 1 cup Libby’s 100% Pure Pumpkin – 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter (melted) – 1 tbsp …for a healthier alternative, use Oil Sugar in the Raw Brown Sugar – 1 1/2 tbsp Pure Vanilla – 1/2 tsp Pecans (for garnish) (optional) Unsalted Butter – 1/3 tbsp (on top) (optional) Pure Maple Syrup 100% – drizzle on top (optional)
DIRECTIONS: 1. In a small bowl, combine the dry ingredients… flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger powder, and salt. Stir and set aside. 2. In a separate bowl, add the wet ingredients… milk, pumpkin, vanilla, melted butter… and brown sugar. 3. Mix all the wet ingredients until well-incorporated. 4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet. 5. Mix until combined, however DO NOT OVERMIX. 6. Heat a pan on low-medium heat. Once hot, using a 1/4 cup measurement, drop the mixture onto a heated pan glazed with butter or oil. 7. Cook for a couple minutes until golden brown, and then flip.8. Top with 1/3 tbsp of butter and pecans. Drizzle a little maple syrup. Serve immediately.
