Thursday, February 20, 2014

Pancakes!

February? Really? Yesterday was  fantastic, in mid forties—perfect for a late winter run. Today, on the other hand, started out crawling at a snail's pace in a string of cars on slush covered roads.   Now flashes of lightening are reflecting off my computer screen while winds howl and the  rain and hail pound on the windows! Although I feel like hibernating under a blanket, I keep telling myself each day is one day closer to spring—so stay committed—exercise –eat right. 
One of my nutrition goals for the year is to incorporate a wider variety of vegetables and grains in my diet. Buckwheat actually not a grain but a fruit seed, is a nutritious product that can be used as a grain substitute for wheat or other grains containing protein gluten.  Buckwheat pancakes were always one of my husband’s favorite breakfast foods; therefore, I often made them for my family.  I always thought they were okay, but last week with a little tweaking I came up with a recipe that I can actually get excited about!

Ingredients:
2 egg whites
1 tablespoon oil
½ cup almond milk
¼ cup all-purpose flour
¼ cup almond flour
½ cup buckwheat flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 tablespoon sugar
½ cup sparkling water
(optional-pinch of salt)
Toppings:
Fresh fruit, yogurt, or maple syrup

Directions:
In a small bowl, whisk together the egg whites, oil and milk.

In a medium bowl, combine flours, baking powder and sugar (whisk together.)
  Add the egg white mixture and the sparkling water and stir until just combined.

Heat a griddle over medium heat until a drop of water sizzles when it hits the pan.  Spoon ½ cup of pancake batter onto the pan.  Cook until bubbles form on the top and the edges are lightly browned. About two minutes. 
Turnover and cook until the bottom is browned and the pancakes are cooked through.  Serve warm with fresh fruit, yogurt or maple syrup.

Buckwheat
 http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=11

Wednesday, February 5, 2014

Trending Paleo, Dairy Free, Vegan Anyone? Raspberry Almond Muffins

The other morning I had a taste for muffins--but keeping in mind my "fitness mission," I wanted an extra nutritious one.  You know, the aroma of fresh bakery is just the perfect way to start out the morning! After scanning a few recipes for one low in added sugar with good fats and protein, I decided to come up with one of my own. Starting with a  basic recipe I substituted  coconut and almond flour for half of the wheat flour, used almond milk for the liquid and honey in place of granulated sugar. I have a supply of delicious raspberries in my freezer (my friend Marge has a fantastic patch) so I used them to incorporate natural flavor and sweetness.

The result?  Great according to my taste tester husband and 2 year old grandson (who gobbled up two of them!) They were also dairy free, low in gluten, had 2 grams of unsaturated fat (the kind you need!), and provided about 4 grams of protein and fiber per serving. Sugar was kept to 7.9 grams per serving; which is approximately 30 percent less carbohydrates and 50 percent less sugar per serving than a traditional recipe.

With a couple of little substitutions this recipe will also make a great vegan and gluten free version too! For a vegan version substitute 1 tablespoon ground flax seed meal and 3 tablespoons of water for the egg. If you are looking for a gluten free recipe--substituent rice flour for the wheat flour.

Raspberry Almond Muffins
Ingredients:
1 cup all purpose flour
1/2 cup almond flour
1/2 cup coconut flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/4 cup almond milk
1/4 teaspoon almond extract
1 egg
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1/3 cup honey
1 cup raspberries

Directions:
1.  Heat oven to 350 degrees F.
2.  In a large bowl combine the dry ingredients: wheat, almond and coconut flour, baking powder and salt.
3.  In a second bowl whisk together the liquid ingredients: egg, milk, extract, oil and honey.
4.  Toss the raspberries together with the dry ingredients and then make a well in the middle of the bowl.
5.  Pour the liquid in the well and stir together until combined.  Do NOT over mix.  You should still see
     specks of flour.
6.  Scoop batter into a paper lined muffin pan-two thirds of the way full.
7.  Bake for 17-20 minutes or until slightly browned on the edges and top of muffins.
8.  Cool on a rack.

I hope you enjoy them too! Let me know how yours turn out :)

Resourses
http://www.webmd.com/diet/paleo-diet
http://www.mayoclinic.org/vegetarian-diet/art-20046446
http://www.webmd.com/diet/ss/slideshow-gluten-free-diet
http://www.cpmc.org/advanced/pediatrics/patients/topics/lactosefree.html
http://www.mayoclinic.org/fiber/art-20043983
http://www.cdc.gov/nutrition/everyone/basics/fat/unsaturatedfat.html