(PCM) Halloween is just around the corner, and chances are, you have some pumpkin on hand – canned, frozen, pureed, or whole and ready to gut!
Pumpkin is a staple in the fall; the minute the leaves start changing colors and it starts to get chilly outside, the pumpkin cravings hit. I stop making my own coffee at home and head straight to Dunkin Donuts or Starbucks for those pumpkin lattes (but for a healthier option, try the new Coffee Mate Sugar Free Pumpkin Creamer). I put pumpkin in yogurt, breads, soup and stews…and even cottage cheese.
This weekend I tried a new recipe: Pumpkin Spice Protein Pancakes! Not only were they bursting with that pumpkin flavor, they were truly guilt-free. Made with protein powder, oatmeal, pumpkin, and a few other ingredients, it was a low-calorie, high-protein, high-fiber breakfast that even the pickiest of eaters will enjoy.
The recipe comes from Katie at Dashingdish.com – a girl with a passion for health and cooking…and I think it’s safe to say pumpkin, too!
Here is the recipe:
Ingredients:
1 scoop protein powder (I used vanilla)
1/2 cup pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling)
1/2 tsp cinnamon (or 1/4 tsp pumpkin spice + 1/4 tsp cinnamon)
1/2 tsp baking powder
2 egg whites
1/2 cup oats
1/2 cup + 2tbs water
3-5 packets stevia (or 1/2-1 tbs sweetener of choice)
Method:
Put all of the ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.
Meanwhile, heat a nonstick griddle (or large nonstick skillet) coated with cooking spray over medium heat. Spoon about 1/4 cup of batter per pancake onto griddle. Turn pancakes over when tops are covered with bubbles and edges look cooked. Serve warm!
I topped the pancakes with sugar-free maple syrup and a dusting of cinnamon.
When I did the math, I calculated that the entire recipe had about 350 calories (1/2 c oatmeal – 150 calories, scoop protein powder – 120 calories, 2 egg whites – 30 calories, 1/2 c pumpkin – 40 calories ) not including the sugar-free syrup.
It made about 8 good size pancakes – perfect for a delicious breakfast for two! This is definitely a new pumpkin favorite!
More:
Pumpkin Carving 101, Decorating Ideas and More
What Do Your Fall Decorations Say About You?