Diary of a Nutritionist

I am always on a mission to impress my three… make that four, biggest critics– a.k.a. My soon-to-be husband and the kids.

I strongly dislike being the “step-mom” that… gags at the mention of bacon, butter, and fast food… cringes at highly processed “snacks” and desserts… and holds my breath when foods try to mislead their audience into thinking that they are at the height of health. Bah! It’s bad enough that Disney’s “Cinderella” comes to mind when I think of the words, “step mom.” I want to be “cool” too (in their eyes), without wavering in my beliefs. 

More importantly I want them to see that not only does unprocessed, unrefined, and wholesome foods make them feel better (which yes, even at their young ages, they acknowledge), but I love to demonstrate the tastiness of wholesome foods in the kitchen as well. 

I am no baker. Back in the day I was a brilliant cake-box cooker, and I could decorate a “cut n’ bake” sugar cookie like nobodies business,but errrrrr…

Baking from scratch? Baking without the crutch of butter, sugar, and white flour? Hmmmmm…. Can I have a glass of wine to ease my anxiety as I attempt to whip up some muffins? How about we start with pancakes…

Lucky me… it worked! These Inspired Vegan Pancakes were a total hit and sweet enough without syrup! (Side Note: The family is not vegan.  I do not cook all vegan. However, I like the challenge of “vegan-izing” their favorites whenever there is a “healthier” alternative…). 

Ingredients:
Dry:
1 1/2 cups whole wheat pastry flour
2 packets of Stevia (I used NuStevia)

2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder (optional)

1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp pink himalayan sea salt
Mix the dry ingredients and set aside.

Wet:
1 1/2 cups coconut milk (vanilla, or unsweetened)
1 1/2 tbsp milled flaxseed mixed with 4 tbsp water (you will want to set this aside to “thicken” for a minute prior to adding to the mixture).
2 tbsp olive oil
8 drops vanilla NuStevia

• Combine your dry and wet ingredients and mix until smooth. You may wish to add other “cool” ingredients… we almost always choose dark chocolate shavings by Dagoba (non-vegan, about 2 tbsp freshly shaved).
• Heat up your stove top and pan. Spray the pan with some non-stick cooking oil (I used legit coconut oil, which can sometimes get too oily).
• Scoop in your batter… cook on medium heat until the top begins to bubble… then flip…

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