Do you know why January is National Oatmeal Month? Probably because it’s cold outside. Really cold. Also, oatmeal is pretty good for you, and can be served hot, and can even give your family lots of energy–which you’ll all need, because it’s cold outside. Really, really cold. The problem is that oatmeal can be one of the healthiest breakfasts that you and your kids can eat, and one of the most boring. Maybe your kids don’t need all of oatmeal’s healthful benefits yet (meaning things like lower cholesterol, reduced heart disease and reduced blood glucose levels), but oatmeal is a good food to start appreciating. This recipe from the folks at TheGraciousPantry.com is a good way to make oatmeal seem like more than just strange bowl of mush. Make these pancakes savory or sweet to suit everyone’s taste, and start the day off right. [photo via flickr]
Ingredients
12 egg whites
1 cup quick oats
1/2 tsp. olive oil (from an oil sprayer)
Toppings
1 tbsp peanut butter (sweet)
1 tbsp hummus (extra fiber)
Mix-in Seasonings
½ tsp. onion powder (savory)
½ tsp. garlic powder (savory)
1 tsp. cinnamon (sweet)
Top with maple syrup (sweet)
Directions
Step 1) Stir both ingredients together in a mixing bowl.
Step 2) Spray a non-stick pan (really, it has to be non-stick) with about 1/4 tsp. olive oil. It’s not much at all. Just a very light mist.
Step 3) Ladle 3 pancakes onto your pan and cook like a regular pancake. Each pancake should be approximately 1 scant ladle full. Depending on the size of your ladle, you should get about 7 pancakes out of it.
Step 4) Spray with the last half of the oil, and ladle on your last 3 pancakes.
Step 5) Top with any topping you like–but these pancakes are good when eaten plain, too. Once cool, you can just grab and go!
Tips
It is important that you use quick oats for this recipe. Old Fashioned Oats or any type other than quick oats will separate from the egg whites. If you do not have quick oats, let the oats soak for a while in the egg whites before cooking. Also, you can try these pancakes with a mashed banana in the mix. It helps with consistency and adds a nice flavor to the oats.
