Tuesday, March 1, 2011

Whole Wheat Buttermilk Pancakes

Happy National Pancake Day!!

Pancakes according to Wikipedia:
A pancake is a thin, flat, round cake prepared from a batter and cooked on a hot griddle or frying pan. Most pancakes are quick breads; some use a yeast-raised or fermented batter. Most pancakes are cooked one side on a griddle and flipped partway through to cook the other side. Depending on the region, pancakes may be served at any time, with a variety of toppings or fillings including jam, chocolate chips, fruit, syrup or meat.

For us pancakes equate to happiness and over the years these hotcakes have provided numerous essential nutrients to my somewhat finicky children without them ever having a clue that they were eating something other than what they wanted.  Taking the simple batter and turning it into an inviting breakfast (or snack or lunch or dinner) filled with whole grains, nuts and any variety of fruits has allowed me to furnish their growing bodies with essential nutrients that they would otherwise say "No thank you" to.  I can always count on a pancake to be received with a smile and I have yet to have one turned down.

Today, being a special occasion, Liv decorate her pancakes in what she deems "the proper fashion".  Smothered with whipped cream and sprinkles, these guys were more of a dessert than a healthy start to her day, however I smiled knowing that she was happily eating a good base of whole wheat, flax meal, milk and a bit of egg with each and every whipped cream smothered bite.  Add in a glass of OJ and she was set for her day!

In the short life of Liv Life we have already filled our pages with some of our favorite pancake recipes.  Whole Wheat Pancakes were the first to be shared and they are indeed still a frequent guest on our breakfast table.  Very similar to today's recipe, these pancakes have the added benefit of a splash of vanilla giving them an added layer of flavor while providing lasting energy for the morning.  Topped with a touch of butter and drizzled syrup these light and fluffy pancakes are gone in a flash.

Next up, our favorite Pumpkin Pancakes.  Cans of Trader Joe's Organic Pumpkin are stocked in our pantry specifically for this recipe.  Light and fluffy, these pancakes are spiced with pumpkin pie-like spices spreading the aroma of fall throughout your home as you flip them.  Topped with dark maple syrup no one will ever know that they are receiving a good dose of vitamin A along with fiber and antioxidants.  Additional garnishments of banana, raisins and walnuts only improve the overall health benefits.  Liv first had these when she was still a baby and has been eating them ever since!

The richer Puffed Apple Pancake provides a bit of a different version of the regular pancake.  Cooked as one big pancake in a skillet and finished off in a 425º oven this delight puffs into a dream as it cooks!  Filled with sauteed apples and everyone's favorite apple pie spices the puffed cake is dusted with powdered sugar for a little added sweetness.  Ingredients of 1/2 and 1/2, butter and maple syrup bring this version into the highly desired dessert realm, but I can remember happily finishing it off the following morning with my cup of coffee.


Another whole grain version, Whole Grain Buttermilk Pancakes with Oatmeal and Banana, mixes not only whole wheat flour but rolled oats, flax meal and wheat germ into the batter along with some mashed banana for an additional nutrition boost.  A touch of brown sugar combined with cinnamon add a welcome sweetness and spice that complements the maple syrup with each and every bite.  A plate of homemade goodness that makes Liv's eyes shine every time she sees them!

Every once in a while though, a girl just needs a does of plain, good 'ole white flour.  Buttermilk Pancakes with Flax provide just that!  With only 3 Tablespoons of Golden Flax mixed into the batter Liv had no idea that she was receiving a tiny bit of something good along with her fluffy and most requested Buttermilk Pancakes.  While the 3 tbs probably don't provide much nutrition when broken down into servings, somehow I just feel better knowing that they are there.

And we can't forget the recent Blueberry Ricotta Pancakes.  Dripping with a luscious, lemon spiked blueberry sauce reminiscent of blueberry pie, these little guys are a true treat.  The addition of ricotta adds a wonderful tenderness to the pancakes along with the pleasant tang of the buttermilk.  Lemony, blueberry goodness dazzles the tongue with flavor while the addition of spelt flour (or whole wheat) gives a little whole grain nutrition.  The topping on this one is the true joy, simply oozing with flavor and nutrition from the antioxidant-rich blueberries.  Ideal for any special occasion or just a simple morning breakfast, Blueberry Ricotta Pancakes have become an oft requested breakfast in our household.

With that, Liv Life wishes you a most joyous National Pancake Day.  May your fingers be sticky with syrup and your lips smudged with whipped cream!



Whole Wheat Buttermilk Pancakes
adapted from Cooking Light


Light and fluffy, this pancake recipe is probably the most used in our house.  With whole wheat, flax and/or wheat germ I feel that the kids are getting a good start to their day and when their eyes light up with the arrival of a heaping plate I know they will eat it! 

3/4  cup  all-purpose flour
3/4  cup  whole wheat flour
3-4 Tbs flax meal or wheat germ
1  tablespoons  sugar
1 1/2  teaspoons  baking powder
1/2  teaspoon  baking soda
1/2  teaspoon  salt
1 1/4  cup low-fat buttermilk
1/2 cup skim milk (may need a little more)
1  tablespoon vegetable oil
1  large egg
1  large egg white

Lightly spoon flours into dry measuring cups; level with a knife. Combine flours, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl, stirring with a whisk. Combine buttermilk, oil, egg, and egg white, stirring with a whisk; add to flour mixture, stirring just until moist.

Heat a nonstick griddle or nonstick skillet over medium heat.  Rub the cut side of a cube of butter quickly over the pan and spoon about 1/4 cup batter per pancake onto griddle. Turn pancakes over when tops are covered with bubbles and edges look cooked. Serve with syrup and butter.

Note:  I have found that with the variations of the weather I sometimes need to add extra liquid to the flours to get the proper batter consistency.  If you add more flax or wheat germ you will most likely need to add more liquid as well.  

45 comments:

  1. Kim, you have made some wonderfully delicious pancakes. It might be time to have breakfast-for-dinner tonight. Weekday mornings are too crazy for pancakes since the girls tend to sleep as long as they can and then rush out the door with a homemade egg and cheese English muffin to go.

    ReplyDelete
  2. All of your pancakes look so good, Kim, but my eyes keep wandering towards the blueberry-ricotta ones. Great way to celebrate National Pancake Day. Liv did a great job decorating with whipped cream and sprinkles! :-)

    ReplyDelete
  3. What a pancake bliss here! All of them look amazing and the pumpkin one and apple are impressive, too. I'm dying to give them a go. In the US you're always ahead of us in Europe. We don't have pancake day until next week but I'm sure we can find an excuse to eat them before then ;-)

    ReplyDelete
  4. Everyday should be pancake day! The apple pancake sounds really interesting.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Mmm I do love a nice stack of pancakes and this one certainly does not disappoint! I love that yours looks like a birthday cake. :) These look delicious and I'm so envious that you got to eat these.

    ReplyDelete
  6. What a great cake....I love a good breakfast with pancakes...

    Kisses,
    Rita

    ReplyDelete
  7. Your parade of pancakes is wonderful. We really don't eat them that often. Your basic whole wheat buttermilk pancakes look very healthy, though.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Hooray for pancake day! Thanks for compiling all of your delicious pancake recipes into one drool-worthy post!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Wowza! Would ya look at those, babies! Hey, if they're whole wheat you can get away with topping them with all that whipped cream, right? :)

    Great write-up, too.

    ReplyDelete
  10. LOL, I love Liv's version of dressing up a pancake. In my world, it should simply be butter and maple syrup (good Canadian that I am), but her version is cute!

    ReplyDelete
  11. Ay ay ay you're making me drool ... your pancakes, your photos... everything is just so yummy!

    ReplyDelete
  12. Oh my goodness..you put smile on my face with pancakes! Love them so much too! You did fantastic job!

    ReplyDelete
  13. Kim, it's been way too long since I've had pancakes...and that apple puff pancake is calling my name! ALL look wonderful~

    ReplyDelete
  14. Pancake overload, I LOVE IT!!! Pancakes are one of my favorite foods. I love making them with oats and yogurt too.

    ReplyDelete
  15. What a gorgeous group of pancakes! I love the whipped cream and candle, perfect! Great job! I'll be back for the recipe on that puffed apple pancake!

    ReplyDelete
  16. I just love the way Liv decorated her pancakes this morning! My dad used to make a puffed apple pancake like that one, and I forgot all about it! Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  17. I so love the food styling you have done. The pics look awsm .. :)

    ReplyDelete
  18. I had no idea it was pancakes day!!!!!! I love pancakes! I like that you added the whole wheat and flax, very smart idea and more texture!

    ReplyDelete
  19. How is it that I've already had breakfast yet my mouth is watering? I adore pancakes for any meal. We have them often. I can't even decide which I like the most so I think I'll go with your original version when I come visit, ok? :)

    ReplyDelete
  20. Your pancake parade made me swoon! I love pancakes and have them for dinner all the time. Your blueberry pancakes - Yum! Thanks for reminding us of this most important holiday. What a joyous day, indeed!

    ReplyDelete
  21. My mouth is watering now after looking at all of these delicious pancakes. I wish it weren't 10:30pm! I left you the Stylish Blogger's Award on my blog. You can see the details at http://www.ryanbakes.com/2011/03/stylish-blogger-award.html

    ReplyDelete
  22. I know what we are having tomorrow morning for breakfast LOL they look so good! Thanks for sharing :)

    ReplyDelete
  23. Larry thinks every day is National Pancake Day. He makes pancakes for his breakfast almost every morning. My favorite is pumpkin or banana/pecan.

    ReplyDelete
  24. So many tempting pancakes, I love that you've added ground flax seed, it's always nice to sneak in a little extra nutrition whenever possible.

    ReplyDelete
  25. Oh my word it's pancake heaven!! All of the pancakes look AMAZING. I would love to eat breakfast at your house. :)

    ReplyDelete
  26. You have so many beautiful pancakes here - a celebration indeed!

    ReplyDelete
  27. I really need to try these, I keep telling myself that I am going to make whole wheat buttermilk pancakes and then I never do...I am printing out this recipe right now haha

    ReplyDelete
  28. So many wonderful pancakes....yum!

    ReplyDelete
  29. What a comprehensive run down on all the different types of pancakes. I love the idea of burying pancakes in whipped cream! happy national pancake day to u too!

    ReplyDelete
  30. Look at all of these pancakes! I am totally inspired to make some.

    ReplyDelete
  31. So many fabulous pancakes! I can't decide which one is making my mouth water more. I still have the ricotta blueberry on my to-do list ever since I've read the post but now I want the apple and pumpkin ones as well. Guess I'll have to start making more pancakes on the weekend :o)

    ReplyDelete
  32. beautifully done pancakes Kim delicious pictures

    ReplyDelete
  33. Pancakes are so yummy, and all the photos you showed look so great!

    ReplyDelete
  34. Wow so many different pancakes! My favourite is the banana, oatmeal, flax- sounds amazing! Can't wait to try it, thanks!!

    ReplyDelete
  35. They look so inviting. I have never made pan cakes at home and I have had them just once or twice. You make want to try this at home.

    ReplyDelete
  36. wow! healthy and super inviting- pics rock :)

    ReplyDelete
  37. Wow, look at all these delightful pancakes! The whole wheat pancakes sure sound excellent!

    ReplyDelete
  38. Oh my! All of those look so good that i can't pick a favorite but i really want to try the apple one since i have never had that before. It must taste divine!

    ReplyDelete
  39. I am drooling over your photos.I wish I could have a pancake right now!

    ReplyDelete
  40. OK, Im going to say it - forget the pancake! I want that whipped cream!!!

    ReplyDelete
  41. These pancakes look so delicious! My mouth is watering for a taste of the pumpkin pancake and the blueberry and ricotta pankcake in particular...yum, yum, YUM!!

    ReplyDelete
  42. Ladylike Post. This transmit helped me in my school assignment. Thanks Alot

    ReplyDelete

Your comments make our hearts sing!