Hot Cakes for a Cold Day

12/2/17

On those frigid winter mornings when you rush from the shower, shivering and slick, to your towel and jiggle-dry as fast as you can before sliding into your robe, a pile of hot pancakes is definitely in order. This morning, as I pulled on a second layer of pants and tucked into giant fluffy socks, I planned my first meal of the day.

I would take half a ripe banana and smash it with a fork until it turned into a sweet paste. Then I would add an egg and whisk the two together. I would stir slowly as I added a scoop of protein powder and ½ teaspoon of baking powder until just combined. When my skillet was well-greased and slightly warm, I would pour the thick batter into the pan and watch as three pale, limp circles transformed into crispy golden rounds. I would top them with the other half of the banana, a flurry of cinnamon, a spoonful of maple syrup, and a dollop of peanut butter. The peanut butter would melt lazily down the tower of glistening pancakes, like hot candle wax. The steam from the plate would fog my silver fork, inviting it to come and get warm.

Biting into the fluffy, sweet dough, I watched the bare trees outside my house defiantly brave the wind. Hot food is my defense against winter’s threats. Today I decided I don’t mind the cold.   

BANANA PROTEIN PANCAKES

What you need

½ ripe banana

1 egg

2 tablespoons vanilla whey protein powder 

2 tablespoon almond or oat flour

½ tsp baking powder

almond milk as needed

What you do

-Mash banana in the base of a measuring cup (using a measuring cup makes it easier to pour the batter into the skillet). Whisk in the egg.

-Add the protein powder, flour, and baking powder on top, and whisk until just combined. Add as much almond milk as necessary to reach desired consistency. Some people like thin pancakes, some people like thick. 

-Grease a nonstick skillet and add the batter (should make about three 4-inch pancakes). Cover the skillet and cook over low heat. Cook for 3-4 minutes on one side, flip, re-cover the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes on the other side.

-Top with whatever you want, but if you haven’t tried peanut butter on pancakes, now is the time.