happy thoughts, happy tots.: 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)