Pancake Sunday!: Turmeric Blueberry Spice Superfood Pancakes.

Happy Sunday, everyone!
If you're like me, Sundays mean a couple of things: 1. sleeping in. 2. rest day...aka extra time for yoga. 3. quality time with family and friends. 4. "catch up" and "prep for the week ahead" day. And 5. PANCAKES FOR BREAKFASTTTTTTT! It's pretty much the golden rule when it comes to Sunday breakfast or brunch: whatever you eat, your plate MUST include a short stack (or a tall stack...).
Now, what's special about this stack? Well, other than that it's INSANELY DELICIOUS, this stack of pancakes is completely loaded with nutrients...practically OVERFLOWING from all the health benefits (and maple syrup...)! So, what exactly is IN this stack that makes it so wonderful? Keep reading...
Turmeric. Turmeric is probably the most potent herb out there when it comes to health benefits. Turmeric has powerful anti-inflammatory properties...it has been used as a natural alternative to prednisone in some case studies (with SUCCESS, I might add!). In addition, turmeric has powerful antioxidant properties, making it extremely effective at ridding the body of harmful free radicals. In other studies, turmeric has been shown to be effective at reducing the risk of heart disease, treating depression, lessening the effects of alzheimer's, and even curing cancer!
Wild Blueberries. Wild blueberries are among nature's leading sources of antioxidant's. According to wildblueberries.com, "...a one-cup serving of Wild Blueberries has more total antioxidant capacity (TAC) than 20 other fruits and veggies, including cranberries, strawberries, plums, raspberries and even cultivated blueberries." Blueberries naturally contain the antioxidants pterostilbene and reservatrol, both of which are effective at neutralizing free radicals. They are one of the best sources of natural fiber, containing a whopping 6.2 grams in just 1 cup. Additionally, blueberries contain health amounts of Vitamin K, Vitamin C, manganese, and copper. 
Coconut. Just one ounce of dried coconut contains 4 grams of fiber, making it a delicious way to help you "stay regular." Coconut also contains brain-boosting copper, which promotes the production of myelin, the protective coating around our brain's neurotransmitters. Studies also link coconut to improved memory.
As you can see, these pancakes are pretty darn healthy. But that's not all...they're pretty darn delicious, too! But don't take my word for it....try 'em yourself! And let me know watcha think in the comments! 
Have a great week, guys, and enjoy your pancakes! 

Turmeric Blueberry Spice Superfood Pancakes.

 Turmeric Blueberry Spice Superfood Pancakes. Vegan, Gluten-free. Serves one (makes 5 medium-sized pancakes). 

Ingredients
1. 1/2 cup gluten-free flour (I used oat flour)
2. 1/2 tsp baking powder
3. One packet stevia powder
4. 1/2 tsp ground turmeric
5. 1/4 tsp ground ginger
6. 1/2 cup frozen wild blueberries
7. 1/2 cup unsweetened coconut milk (refrigerated kind)
8. 2 T dried coconut chips
9. Peanut butter of choice and maple syrup, for topping

Method
1. Combine first 5 ingredients in a medium-sized bowl and whisk well. Add blueberries and coconut milk and stir. until a smooth batter forms.
2. Pour about 1/4 cup of batter onto heated nonstick pan. Cook 3-4 minutes per side. Repeat with remaining batter.
3. Arrange pancakes on a large plate and add toppings. Serve immediately. 

Holiday Post!: Resurrection Cookies (HIGH PROTEIN!).

When I was growing up, my mom would always make "resurrection cookies" every Easter. Not only were they delicious, but I have so many happy memories surrounding the whole process of making these. I remember it just like it was yesterday: standing in the kitchen with my mom and sister, with all 6 of our hands shaping these little cookies...and then eating them while watching movies!
So what exactly ARE resurrection cookies, you may be wondering? Besides the MOST DELICIOUS THING IN THE WORLD, of course...so easy you almost can't call it a recipe. When I used to make them as a kid, they were simply pre-made crescent roll dough with a marshmallow wrapped inside. When you bake them, THE MARSHMALLOW "DISAPPEARS!" Or at least, that's what it seems like to a 6 year old ;) The idea behind these cookies is that you're "placing Jesus in the tomb." And when you open the tomb (i.e. "bite the cookie" haha) HE IS NO LONGER THERE! I've always thought it was creative (and of course delicious!). And with my recipe, they're HEALTHY, too! Happy Easter guys! Go make some resurrection cookies :)

Resurrection Cookies!

So good.

Protein Resurrection Cookies. Vegan, Gluten Free. Makes three large cookies.

Ingredients
1. 1/2 cup flour of choice
2. One scoop vanilla vegan protein powder
3. 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
4. 1/2 tsp baking powder
5. One packet stevia powder
6. 4 T water
7. 3 vegan marshmallows (like Dandie's brand)

Method
1. Preheat oven to 350 F and line a baking sheet with parchment.
2. In a medium-sized bowl, mix flour, protein powder, stevia, and baking powder. Add water and mix to form a dough.
3. Divide dough into 6 sections. Take one section in hands, roll into a ball, and flatten into a circle. Place on parchment and repeat with remaining 5 sections.
4. Place one marshmallow in the center of one circle of dough. Top with another dough circle and gently press outer edges together to seal. Repeat for 3 large cookies.
5. Cover cookies with a foil tent and bake for 25-30 minutes, until firm and set.
6. Remove from oven and let cool 10 minutes before enjoying.

Gluten Free Protein Cake Donuts with Peanut Butter.

You need these in your life. These Protein Donuts are gluten free, oil free, sugar free, and super high protein (obviously, according to the name, haha), and delicious. All you need is about 35 minutes in the kitchen TOTAL to make them even more impressive! Add a little peanut butter for dipping goodness, and these little guys become a perfect combo of protein and carbs-the ultimate post workout snack! Enjoy!

Gluten Free Protein Cake Donut. Vegan, Gluten-free. Serves one. 

Ingredients

1. 1/2 cup gluten free oat flour

2. One scoop vegan protein powder (I used Sunwarrior vanilla)

3. One packet stevia powder

4. 1/2 tsp baking powder

5. Scant 1/2 cup water

Method 

1. Combine flour, protein powder, stevia, and baking powder in a medium sized bowl and mix well. 

2. Add water, stirring in as you go to avoid clumping. 

3. Pour batter into mini donut silicone/nonstick pan and bake

 350 for 25-30 minutes, until firm. 

4. Let cool 10 minutes before removing. Serve with PB! 

Carob Pancakes with Peanut Butter and Sweet Cherries.

Um. Yum. That is all. 

    Carob Pancakes with Peanut Butter and Sweet Cherries. 

Carob Pancakes with Peanut Butter and Sweet Cherries; Vegan, Gluten-free. Serves one (3 smallish pancakes). 

Ingredients

1. 1/3 cup gluten free oat flour

2. 1/4 tsp baking powder

3. 1/2 packet stevia

4. 1 T carob powder

5. 1/3 cup water

6. 2 T peanut butter of choice 

7. 1/3 cup frozen sweet cherries, thawed in microwave for 30 seconds

Method

1. In medium size bowl, combine flour, baking powder, stevia, and carob. Whisk well to remove any clumps and add water. Stir well. 

2. Cook in nonstick pan over medium heat, about 3 minutes per side or until edges look browned and insides begun to bubble. Flip and cook 3 more minutes (approximately). Repeat! 

3. Once all pancakes are cooked, arrange on a plate. Take largest cake, spread with peanut butter, and place a couple cherries on top. Slightly mash down with back of spoon and place next largest pancake in top. Repeat until you get to the last cake. Top with a few cherries and a dollop of PB. Enjoy!