Heart Healthy Fig, Banana & Pecan Pancakes

Makes about 6 to 8 pancakes depending on size
Prep time: 5 minutes
Standing time: 3 minutes
Cooking time: Approximately 2 minutes per side
Healthy Hand Score: 2

I love this mix from Quaker Oats. The first two ingredients are Oat flour and Whole Wheat flour unlike other pancake mixes that list Enriched Flour as the main ingredient.  Plus, you can cut out the cholesterol by following the heart healthy recipe on the back and boost the flavor component by adding fruit or anything else that gets your taste buds going.

Pancakes are a rare treat in my house and are normally reserved for Friday or Sunday mornings.  This morning was special because not only is my fig tree finally starting to ripen, but sometimes your morning breakfast should make you smile.  Pancakes remind me of my grandfather who used to wake me up at 6 am yelling “Tabby, hotcakes!”  My Grandpa was awesome! Measuring cups? Nope! Everything was by sight, smell, taste and butter! Although now I measure for health and portion control, there are some foods like pancakes that make any day a special day of remembrance.

• Quaker Oatmeal Pancake Mix – Heart Healthy Recipe
• 1 cup of mix
• 3/4 cup Fat Free Milk
• 1 egg white
• 1 banana, ripe (skin should be brown)
• 2 figs, fresh chopped or pulse three to four times in a processor
• Optional: 1/2 cup pecans, chopped
• Pecans boost Zinc and add beneficial poly- and mono- unsaturated fats!

In a food processor, pulse two ripe black mission figs three to four times or until finely chopped. Mix in banana and mash together. 

In a medium bowl pour in pancake mix and make a well in center.  Add egg white and milk. Blend just until smooth; large lumps gone. Let sit for two minutes.  Fold in fig and banana.  Optionally add 1/2 cup coarsely chopped pecans.

Coat a griddle or non-stick flat skillet with a fat-free spray and heat over medium to medium low heat.  Pour by the 1/4 cup and cook until edges are slightly dry and bottoms are golden brown.

Flip and repeat.

Enjoy with your choice of syrup. I prefer a scant drizzle of organic ginger syrup or homemade fruit puree.