sunday snack :: paleo pancakes

You know what I love about Sundays? Pancakes! Most Sunday mornings are spent in our house noshing on them. However, the regular buttermilk variety contain two paleo no-no's, lactose and grains. So, I scoured the web for some ideas. Turns out there is a massive pool of paleo pancake inspiration out there (thank goodness).

Like usual, I found some basics, played around with the ingredients and dialed in on the best combination for my own tastes. The result is soft, sweet, and spongy, little cakes. Your traditional, Bob Evans-style Hotcakes these ain't. I'm sorry, there just is no replicating those. They're pure, delicious magic. Sometimes we have to make compromises and I think these are a pretty good one. I'll give you a minute to mourn your loss. Maybe you can drown your sorrows in paleo pancakes?

Paleo disclaimer: I don't tend to start off my morning with a lot of sugar (real or fake). The early morning insulin spike usually leaves me crashing, and wanting to eat way too soon in the day. But Sundays are special and they sometimes call for a special breakfast!

recipe yields 1 serving

Ingredients:
1/2 tsp vanilla
1 dash cinnamon
1 tbsp almond butter
1 peeled medium banana
1 egg
1/2 - 1 tbsp coconut oil

Method: • Place the banana in a bowl and mash with a fork or potato masher, until completely liquid. Some banana lumps may remain, but really, they just add good texture.
• Add the remaining ingredients and mix together completely
• Heat the coconut oil in a skillet on Medium. Once brought to temperature, add the batter in 3"- 4" wide globs (one serving makes approximately 3 pancakes)
• Watch the batter, they only sort of bubble up like regular pancakes do. So when the edges start to turn golden and curl up, that means they're ready to be flipped. Let them cook about 40 seconds on the other side. *helpful tip: these tend to get sticky, so oil up your spatula while you're at it!
• Remove from heat and enjoy as is. You can also garnish with more almond butter, maple syrup, or your favorite jam!

I had a tough workout today, so I added a touch of maple syrup. shhhhh! don't tell anyone!

approximate nutrient breakdown per serving (yields 1 serving):
calories- 321,  fat- 19.5g,  saturated fat- 8.9g,  sodium- 63.2mg,  carbohydrates- 31.5g,  fiber- 3.6g, sugars- 16g,  protein- 10.1g