Banana Bread Pancakes!

Ooohhhh, pancakes! Their soft, pillow like texture combined with the richness of butter and the sticky sweetness of syrup is a winning combination. Unfortunately, it is generally one of the most nutritionally bankrupt breakfast items we can feed our children. I love to use Bob's Red Mill products for pancakes. They have more wholesome grain combinations and often include flaxmeal and wheatgerm for a better fat and vitamin combo. Pair a more nutritious mix with vanilla, bananas and walnuts and you have remodeled kid friendly fare to give them what they want...AND need!

Bananas are such an amazingly kid friendly fruit, but I bet you didn't know that they help regulate blood pressure because they are so high in potassium. They are also naturally fiber rich and contain a compound called fructooligosaccharide. Fructooligosaccharides are called prebiotics which means that they feed the probiotics(healthy bacteria) in your digestive system. These beneficial bacteria help our bodies to absorb vitamins and minerals much more efficiently, especially calcium which is especially important for a child's bone growth.

1 batch Bob's Red Mill 10 grain Pancake Mix prepared as directed(you will need milk, egg and canola/olive oil)
1 very ripe banana, smashed with a fork
1 tsp vanilla
2 Tbs. wheat germ
1/2 Cup smashed walnuts(the kids love to do this! Just place walnuts in a bag and let them use a child size mallet to smash them up)
1/2 tsp. cinnamon

Prepare pancake mix according to package directions. Add in smashed banana, walnuts, vanilla and cinnamon. Stir to combine. Heat a griddle to med high heat and spray with a little non-stick cooking spray. Pour pancakes on the griddle in about 1/3 cup portions. Turn when bubbles start to form on top of pancake. Cook until golden brown. Serve with real butter(stay away from margarine) and real maple syrup! Serves 4.

Time Saving Tip: Make an extra batch of these pancakes and let them cool on a wire rack. When completely cool, store them in a freezer bag with a sheet of waxed paper between each pancake. You can freeze these and take them out a couple at a time to toast for breakfast on busy mornings! No more worries about sending the kids to school without a nutritious breakfast.