Your mama was right. Breakfast is an important meal. If your kids are running off to school without sitting down for breakfast, stop nagging and start making pancakes.
Learn how to make a big batch of Whole-Wheat Pumpkin Pancakes or Banana Oatmeal Pancakes. Freeze individual pancakes, so kids can reheat them in the microwave or toaster and top with fruit. You can also refrigerate these batters overnight and cook pancakes in the morning — that’s quicker than starting from scratch.
Kids skipping breakfast? Freeze a big batch of pancakes and reheat before school. Mix the batter with pumpkin, banana, Greek yogurt and oatmeal to keep kids full until lunch.
Whole-wheat pumpkin pancakes
In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup fat-free plain Greek yogurt, 1 cup water, 3 eggs, 3/4 cup pumpkin puree, 2 tablespoons canola oil and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract. In another medium bowl, combine 2 cups whole-wheat flour, 1/3 cup brown sugar, 1/4 cup sugar, 2 tablespoons baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Slowly add wet ingredients to dry ones to form batter. Coat hot nonstick pan with cooking spray. Add 1/4 cup of batter. Cook 2 minutes until surface is bubbly. Flip the pancake and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes. Repeat with remaining pancake batter.
Banana oatmeal pancakes
In a large bowl, combine 1/2 cup rolled oats and 1 cup boiling water. Let sit 1 to 2 minutes. Stir in 2 tablespoons canola oil and 2 tablespoons brown sugar, and set aside to cool. In a separate medium bowl, combine 1/2 cup whole-wheat flour, 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder, 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon baking soda. Add 1/2 cup skim milk, 1/4 cup fat-free plain yogurt and 1 mashed banana to the oats. Beat in 1 egg. Add flour mixture to oat mixture and stir. Then cook 1/4 cup of pancake batter at a time in a hot nonstick frying pan.
Created by the executive wellness chef and registered dietitians at the Mayo Clinic Healthy Living Program.
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