A New Beginning.. Start with Pancakes

I am sitting at our dining room table in the early light of morning watching my loved ones awake. There is a peace in the house, a ruslting of newspapers, clip clop of foot steps, and a gurgling coming from the coffee pot. The house is about to awaken and I am sitting within the heart of our home right before the volcano erupts. Before everyone is awake and laughing, telling stories, fighting over newspaper sections and coffee cups. I am in the moments before watching as the heat rises inside and out.

As I write I think about how precious each person is. We have lots of guests this morning. Cousins, aunts, uncles, friends, and loved ones. We are all starting a new day together. Sharing in the wonder that lives right before a brand new day begins, before the miracles that are to take place happen today. The sun is shining on the deck kissing it with it's warm yellow glow and dancing on the water as it continues to climb higher and higher. Just as we all climb higher and higher within each moment.

To celebrate us all being together sharing in this morning, I decide to make pancakes for everyone. Healthy pancakes of course filled with whole grains, flax, protein packed yogurt. I want to provide everyone with something healthy and nourishing to start their day, to have the energy to meet new opportunities, new inspiration, and create new magical moments today.

Just as I am mixing up the batter, my cousin leans in from the deck shouting, "The millionaire's back!" AKA The millionaire who owns the island across from us. We watch as a huge military float plane lands a few yards from our dock in the water. As we watch this huge float plane land and people run to grab cameras I know that the day is in full swing, the volcano has erupted, and the first miracle has already occurred. We are brought together in the wonder of this huge sea-plane landing and then taking off again. You really never know what you are going to bump into when you wake up do you?

Try these and provide your loved ones with a great and wonderful start to the day that will keep them going all morning long. Your kids with love these too!

Let the day begin!

Wholesome Pancakes

2 eggs

4 tablespoons Smart Balance butter

1 tablespoon vanilla

2 (6 ounce) container low fat yogurt (we use vanilla, but blueberry is great too!)

1/4 cup ground milled flaxseed

1 1/2 cup whole wheat flour

1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

1 tablespoon cinnamon

1. In a large bowl mix the eggs, smart balance butter, vanilla, and yogurt. Stir using a whisk to combine.

2. In a separate bowl, combine the flaxseed, flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.

3. Combine the wet and dry ingredients. The batter should be thin, yet coat the back of a spoon.

4. To cook, heat a smooth non-stick skillet until water bubbles when sprinkled on. Place a teaspoon of vegetable oil in the pan and swirl to coat. Add 1/4 cup of batter at a time to the skillet and cook each pancake on 2 minutes a side. The top will tell you it's time to flip the pancake when it bubbles. Continue cooking all pancakes this way.

5. These pancakes will be slightly more dense than regular pancakes. Serve with Smart Balance butter, fresh fruit, and sugar free syrup for a delightful light breakfast! You can also top with low fat yogurt for an extra punch of protein.

Mental Health Tip: Breakfast is important, it's the beginning of a new day, starts us out right. This is the perfect blend of protein and carbohydrates.  Do something special for yourself and start your day with a BANG!

Wishing you Happy Mornings and days from our kitchen to yours!

~"Too Lovely" Hot Messes in the kitchen