Mini Banana Pancakes

Yes everyone, it is possible to make “healthy” pancakes, with only four ingredients might I add! This recipe has been a staple among my patients (and their children) due to its easy prep and delicious flavor. While you may be skeptical, I can promise you that this recipe has been tried and true throughout the years. The banana works as the perfect binding agent for the batter, while adding that sweetness that leaves absolutely no need for added sugar. The egg helps the pancake rise, while adding a nice punch of protein and healthy cholesterol to fuel your morning. The dash of cinnamon helps regulate your blood sugar to avoid that afternoon slump and the medium chain triglycerides in the coconut oil provide your liver with energy promoting fatty acids. Who would have thought that a stack of pancakes would be your new go-to “health” breakfast? Miss Alexa did. And do not limit this recipe to just breakfast, feel free to pack them for a healthy snack or freeze leftovers so you can pop them in the toaster for an evening dessert. The options are endless!

Ingredients:

Serves 1

• 2 eggs

• 1 large ripe banana

• 1 teaspoon of cinnamon

• 2 teaspoons of coconut oil

Instructions

1) Add eggs, cinnamon, and banana to a blender and blend until smooth to create the pancake batter. Set aside.

2) Add 2 teaspoons of coconut oil to a skillet warmed on the stove and let melt. Add pancake batter slowly to skillet until you’ve created a pancake no larger than the size of your palm (the more "mini"/smaller you can make the pancakes the better they will turn out). Cook each pancake for 30 seconds on each side and serve.

Note: you may need to add extra coconut oil if skillet gets too dry in between pancake batches.

Homemade Granola

Nothing makes my kitchen smell better than a pan of homemade granola baking in the oven. This is my absolute go-to recipe for parties, gatherings, and holidays due to its delicious taste and healthy ingredient list. Serve it with smoothies, top it over yogurt, or just eat it plain as it is! The best part is that you know you are nourishing your body with whole food ingredients that taste as delicious to your taste buds as they do to your intestinal cells.

This recipe includes a base of nuts and seeds for protein, coconut for healthy fat, and honey with raisins for that extra sweet taste. Simple, easy, and delicious, you cannot go wrong with including this recipe as a staple in your kitchen. After your first bite, you may wonder why you ever settled for store bought granola’s loaded with refined sugar, processed oils, and gluten-containing grains. Here are the stand out ingredients for your new favorite granola recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup raw cashews

• 3/4 cup raw almonds

• 1/4 cup raw pumpkin seeds, shelled (also called “pepitas”)

• 1/4 cup raw sunflower seeds, shelled

• 1/2 cup unsweetened coconut flakes

• 1/4 cup coconut oil

• 1/4 cup honey

• 1 cup raisins

• 1 tsp sea salt

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and preheat your over to 300 F. Place nuts, seeds, and coconut flakes in your food processor and pulse until the mixture is broken up into small pieces to your liking.

2. In a small bowl, melt the coconut oil and honey. Add vanilla extract and sea salt, stirring well.

3. In a large bowl, add the contents from the food processor. Now add the raisins and stir. Pour the melted coconut oil/honey mixture into the large bowl, stirring well until the nut/seed/raisin mixture is well coated.

4. Evenly spread out contents from large bowl onto your pan lined with parchment paper. Cook for 20-25 minutes, stir once, and cook for a few extra minutes until your granola is lightly browned.

5. Remove granola from the oven. Using a spatula, press the granola together to form a flat surface. Cool for 15 minutes, then break into chunks. Store in an airtight container. Enjoy!