Healthy, Everyday Pancakes

I make pancakes for my three year old all the time. She loves them. She likes it when I make shapes and faces out of the dough. I've done some pretty creative designs--a flower, Diego, hearts, smiley faces, Mickey, etc. They rarely look like what they're supposed to, but it doesn't matter, she loves them. We top our pancakes with plain, whole cow's milk yogurt and/or pure maple syrup. If I'm feeling adventurous I'll make a fruit dressing for them, but mostly we're purists here.

This recipe is fluid. In fact, I've made it so many times, I don't measure anymore. Experiment with ingredients you like. Sometimes I add nuts, seeds, or fruit, sometimes not. You can substitute cow's milk for almond milk, if you would like. We cut cow's milk out a while ago. As a nursing mom to a babe with food irritations, I avoid most cow's milk products, with the exception of yogurt. I've even substituted water for almond milk and cut out the egg, so that my 7 month can enjoy some finger food. The basic proportions are what are important, experiment!

Pancakes are a great finger food to keep on hand. I usually make 4-6" pancakes for my daughter's breakfast, then a series of 2" medallions to keep in the frig. She snacks on them throughout the day.

Easy, Everyday Pancakes

1 cup flour (Preferably organic spelt or white whole wheat)
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup whole grains (old fashioned oats)
1/2 cup boiling water
1/2 cup almond milk, cow's milk or water

Add-ons
2 Tbs. nuts, seeds or dried fruit (chia, flax, cranberries, raisins, walnuts, etc) (optional)
1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
1/2 tsp cinnamon (optional)
1 egg (optional)


I start by placing the uncooked oats into a bowl and pouring the boiling water over them. Let them sit while you get the rest of the ingredients ready. Mix the flour with the baking soda and salt so there are no lumps. Add the nuts or seeds and mix. Add the almond milk and the egg, if using. Add the vanilla and cinnamon. Mix in the soaked oats.

The viscosity of the mix will depend on which ingredients you use. For instance, if you did not use the egg, you may need to add more liquid. If the mixture is too thin, add more flour. If the mixture is too thick, add more almond milk.