Spinach Pancakes!

I know what you're thinking, "My goodness, this girl loves her spinach!". The rumors are true, I sure do but when it comes to making meals for children spinach is one of the best ingredients to give your little one. Not only is it full of iron, it's loaded with Vitamins A, K, D and E. It's also a great source of Omega 3 Fatty Acids: the kind that most of us need. 

Since your child is in their prime growing stages, Spinach also strengthens their bones! Yay for growing, healthy babies! As times goes on, the ounces of milk you give your child will decrease and we find other ways to pack essential nutrients into their meals. 

I know the whole mental pictures of Spinach pancakes doesn't seem appetizing but in this recipe I can assure you it will change your mind. 

Ready, set....Go!

 

Ingredients:

1 cup packed raw spinach

1cup buttermilk (I used Organic Whole Milk, it works just fine)

1 large egg

1 tablespoon oil

1 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla 

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon 

1 cup white whole wheat flour

(Here my secret for fluffy-er pancakes: add 1 cup Bisquick's regular pancake mix. If you do this, add 1/2 more milk.  If you feel the batter is too thick, gradually add a little more milk until desired  consistency. This is what I did for the pancakes pictured above. Delicious!)

1 tablespoon sugar

1 teaspoon baking power

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

Directions:

This recipe should make about 12-14 pancakes.

1: In a blender, combine the milk,  egg, spinach, vanilla and oil. Blend until smooth.

2: In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the remaining ingredients.

3: Whisk the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined.

4: Heat a large pan or griddle over medium heat and grease with butter or oil. (I used the Pam's Butter Spray)

(Also, the secret to perfecting non-burnt pancakes is, testing the heat. It's all about the temp of your pan)

5: Pour about 1-2 tablespoon of the pancake mixture onto the griddle, making as many pancakes as you can. (They say cook for 2 minutes but, it truly comes down to your personal judgement. If you added the extra cup of Bisquick, your pancakes will rise very quickly)

6. Flip the pancakes and cook until other side is just as golden brown. (Or I should say golden green 

 :))

Toppings:

Puree 10 strawberries or blueberries. (You may use whatever your little heart desires)

1 teaspoon of honey

Dash of cinnamon

 

Most importantly, enjoy!

Spinach, Chive and Cheddar Cheese Scones!

 Scones have always been a favorite of mine. Especially with a fresh cup of coffee. Definitely a great way to start the day out! I came across this recipe and figured it would be great to try with the kids!

Scones in general are an all around dry, baked good but, they are still delicious. Add a little bit of butter, pop them into the microwave and grab a glass of milk. You're all set!

It's a really simple recipe to follow and makes 9 scones. Mine turned out big so it was easy to split into more pieces than usual! Score!

Ingredients:

2 1/2 cups all purpose flour

1 tablespoon white sugar

2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter. I chopped mine up into four cubes so it was easier to mash.

3/4 cup whole milk

1/2 cup packed raw spinach, finely chopped. I took my cutting board and went to town on chopping it up. Easier when it is finely chopped since we aren't using a food processor.

6-8 chives, chopped (equals out to about 2 tablespoons) 

1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees.

2. Mix the first four ingredients together in a large bowl. 

3. Add butter to the flour mixture you just mixed. With your fingertips mash all together. Trust me, it's fun this way!

4. Add spinach, chives, milk and cheese to the floury combination you just mashed together. It's normal if your dough seems a tad bit dry. If this does happen, leave it be and give the flour a chance to soak everything up.

5. Place dough on a lightly floured surface and gently press into an 8x8 square. I used a roller for mine so if you use one, make sure to flour it as well!

6. Cut dough into 9 even squares. (I actually could of cut mine into maybe 10 because of how thick mine were. But you want your scones to rise so, I'll let you use your personal judgment if you think you could squeeze one more!:))

7. Place scones on a cookie sheet, line with parchment paper and bake for 25 minutes until golden brown. Move immediately to a wire cooling rack.

Ta-daaaa! You've got yourself the scones you always eye in the pastry case at Starbucks....but better! If you have some the next day, I cut a little bit of butter and put it on top before placing it in the microwave to make them a little more moist.

And most importantly, enjoy!

Green Smoothie Muffins!

I love how simple this recipe is! Muffins are super simple to make and so handy to have around for snack time! Spinach is one of the best ingredients to use if you ever want to incorporate more greens into their daily diet without the typical "EWW! It's green, Mom. Nooo thanks!" This recipe is perfect for doing so and believe me, they are delicious!

 Here's a Tot Tip: When you bake a batch of muffins, freeze the rest and place in a gallon Ziploc bag for future snacks! Plop them onto a plate and into the microwave for about 50-55 seconds. If you're a busy mother and need a mommy moment,  this will keep your little nuggets preoccupied.

Now for the fun part!

Ingredients: 

8 Strawberries 

3 ripe bananas

2 cups of raw spinach -make sure to pack as much spinach as you can get into your cup

1 1/2 cups of Bob's Red Mill Whole Wheat Flour
3/4 cups sugar
1 egg
1/4 cups canola oil (you may use coconut oil if you wish as well!)
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees

2. You'll need a blender for this step. Add your strawberries, bananas and spinach to your blender. I have a Vitamix and I love it!
-Make sure your stems are cut off your strawberries.

3. Blend together. They will turn to a puree.

4. In a mixing bowl, combine sugar, egg, flour, baking soda, oil, salt and cinnamon.

5. Mix it together. This will be slightly coarse and crumbly after mixed together.

6. Mix it all together! This should make 15-16 muffins.

....Almost there!

7. Grease your muffin tin and fill with batter to about 2/3 full. Now,  you can use cupcake liners if you prefer but I didn't have any and it worked out great with just grease. :)


8. Bake for 20 minutes, or until you have done the toothpick test!

And most importantly, enjoy!