Recipe #2- Pumpkin Pancakes

What can I say? There are times when I CRAVE me some bread like substances! Ha :)

These Pumpkin Pancakes from the Practical Paleo cookbook are quite simply to die for!  They are, in fact, totally better than bread or any other kind of flour product.  I have to admit I was quite skeptical at first...(Pumpkin? REALLY? I mean REALLY?) but I promise you won't be disappointed.  

Don't judge before you try em!

joshuatrent.com

Ingredients:

-4 eggs- (always use local- if you can- and ask your farmer what kind of feed they use for their chickens.  Grain free is ideal of course, but I've found it is difficult to find.  I will probably end up raising my own chickens at some point, so I know exactly what they ingest.

If it isn't grain free, secondly, ask if the feed is corn and soy free.  At least try to avoid those GMOs! 

-1/2 cup canned pumpkin- (you can now buy organic options that are boxed vs canned to avoid BPA) 

-1 teaspoon vanilla extract- (organic) (I always add a bit extra, cause I LOVE the stuff) 

-2 tablespoons pure maple syrup- (I usually leave this out and don't miss it, but sometimes I use a bit of Stevia)  You can always use a mashed whole RIPE banana instead.

*What is Stevia? 

Stevia Rebaudiana is an herb in the Chrysanthemum family. 

(Remember not all Stevia brands are created equal.  Look for a pure blend without other added sweeteners...I recommend and trust the sweetleaf brand.) 

Check out this link for more info! http://www.stevia.com/Stevia_Article/Frequently_asked_questions_FAQ/2269

-1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice- (I always use organic spices) 

-1 teaspoon cinnamon

-1/4 teaspoon baking soda- (don't forget this!) 

-2 tablespoons butter or coconut oil- (I use ghee..."clarified butter" meaning all the milk solids are removed!

*(optional)- I like to add a tablespoon or so of raw organic cacao nibs!

vivapure.co.uk

Cacao beans are protected by a paper-thin shell, which you remove before eating. When the shell is removed, the bean often breaks into small pieces, called nibs. Nibs are our most popular cacao product because they share all the nutritional benefits of the whole bean with the added convenience of having the shell removed for you.
http://livesuperfoods.com/raw-cacao-nibs.html

(Optional) I also add 1-2 tablespoons of organic flaxseed meal! Adds some crunch :) 

*Makes about 8 small pancakes or 2 servings

Directions:

-Mix the eggs, pumpkin, vanilla extract, and maple syrup (if using) together.
-Sift the pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, and baking soda into the wet ingredients.
-Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in skillet and then mix into the batter or skip this step and use extra butter or (Ghee) to grease the skillet. 
-Grease the skillet and spoon the batter into the skillet - (based on the desired size!)

everydaysouthwest.com 

canyoustayfordinner.com