Okay who here has ever had a craving for pancakes?

Or golden, crispy waffles topped with syrupy goodness?

It’s not often, but sometimes I do wake up and the only thing that I want is a waffle and maple syrup. Waffles/pancakes are not exactly the picture of a healthy breakfast… until now!

I have found a way to create a healthier version of that cozy breakfast you love so much. It is a bit of an indulgence still (it has some sugar, and obv no waffle or pancake is complete without maple syrup dripping off the edges…) so be mindful – it is still a waffle. It does still have sugar.

But I have created a healthy alternative that you don’t have to feel guilty about enjoying once in a while 😊

Full disclosure:: it does not come in an box.  Not yet anyway … light bulb idea! Haha.  You’ll be making this in the coziness of your own kitchen! Homecooked fun, yayyy!

I generally use the rule of thumb that if my meal comes in a box or in a package, I don’t want to be eating it. Processed foods are some of the worst for you.

Now, I’m not saying that brown rice flower isn’t exactly processed … Obviously someone had to pick the rice, take it to a factory, put it on one of those conveyor belts I imagine, and then put it through a grinder or something, then stick it in a package and boom now it’s available for us to purchase at Sprouts. I am well aware that this would appear to be a “processed food”. I’m not perfect, and neither is anyone else.

Eat the majority of your foods in whole, unprocessed form, as close to the original source as possible (think apples, not applesauce), and enjoy your favorite comfort foods on occasion.

THIS RECIPE IS HEARTY AND FILLING.  IT’S PACKED WITH FIBER.  IT IS GLUTEN FREE.  IT’S WONDERFULLY HEARTY AND IT DEFINITELY ALLOWS YOU THE ABILITY TO INDULGE WITHOUT THE GUILT! 

For my vegan friends, just exclude the eggs and in place, add a flax egg: 1 TBS of ground flax seed to 2 TBS water. Let it it sit for a few minutes so it thickens. Easy Peasy.

Flax & Fiber Filled Pancakes

Batter Ingredients

•        ½ cup brown rice flour

•        ½ cup almond flour

•        1 tsp baking powder

•        1 TBS chia seeds, ground

•        1 heaping TBS flax seed, ground

•        Pinch of salt

•        2 large eggs, yolks and whites separated

•        1 TBS coconut sugar

•        ¾ cup unsweetened nut milk of choice (I like almond milk for this recipe)

•        1 TBS EVOO

•        1 tsp vanilla extract

•        1 tsp almond extract

•       1 TBS unsalted butter or coconut oil

Optional Berry Delicious Compote Ingredients

•    1 cup organic mixed berries (frozen or fresh)

•    A dash of cinnamon

•    A dash of cardamom

•    A dash of nutmeg

•    1 tsp  vanilla extract

•    1 TBS good maple syrup

Directions:

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flours, baking powder, ground chia, ground flax, and salt.

In another bowl, whisk together the yolks, sugar, almond milk, EVOO, vanilla and almond extracts.

Whisk the yolk mixture into the dry ingredients, but don’t over mix.

Gently fold the egg whites into the batter.

Warm the butter in your cast iron pan over medium heat.

Ladle ¼ cup batter and cook until bubbles appear in the center and the edges are set, 2-3 minutes.

Flip and cook until golden brown, 2 more minutes.

Serve topped with the Berry Delicious Compote and enjoy!

(Or for my friends with a waffle maker, you can simply butter the waffle iron top and bottom, and ladle ¼ cup of the batter into your waffle maker. Have fun with it!)

Let me know how you liked this recipe!  Better yet, snap a photo and send it to me!  I love seeing peoples’ pretty food creations!! 

Wherever you are in the world right now, I hope you are safe and well. Sending all the love and light in my heart to everyone, everywhere!

Xoxo,

Emily 😊