One of my favorite things in the world to eat is pancakes.  My Dad used to make them for us on Sunday mornings growing up. He had a passion for making the ‘perfect’ pancake batter which as usual with anything he was passionate about, succeeded.  I love pancakes and often miss just the traditional white-flour pancakes so in order to satisfy my cravings, I need to get creative.   I just completed my first semester of my Masters Program. So I’m going to start incorporating and sharing information that I learn in my blog to update everyone else!  Here are some fun facts about Sweet Potatoes and why they are a necessity in our diets – Sweet Potatoes are one of the most nutritious vegetables. They are filled with Vitamin B6, Iron, Potassium and Fiber.  They carry no fat and are low in sodium. They are also strong in Vitamin A which is necessary for strong tissues, maintaining a healthy immune system and help prevent against cardiovascular disease.  Lastly, they are a great source of complex carbohydrates which our bodies need to produce energy.   So try these out pre or post work out or just if you just have that pancake craving.  I promise you’ll love them as much as I do!

Ingredients (serving size 4 pancakes for 1 person):

• 1/2 cup mashed sweet potato
• 1 tablespoon almond flour
• 1 regular egg
• 1 egg white
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda or powder
• 1 Tablespoon Honey (or Maple Syrup)
• Coconut Oil
• Optional: Banana

Directions:

Peel your sweet potato and cut width wise.  Place in a pan and bring to boil.  Let them boil for about 8-10 minutes.  You don’t want them to be too mushy but if you stick a fork in it and it goes through – they are ready!

Once the sweet potato are finished boiling, drain and mash with a masher.

Place in a bowl and blend in the almond flour, eggs, cinnamon, vanilla extra and baking powder.

Whisk all the ingredients together until it builds a pancake-like consistency.

Let the batter sit for a few minutes so it thickens.  In the meantime, heat a medium pan on medium-high heat and coat the pan with coconut oil.

Once the pan is warm, use 1/4 measuring cup (you can use 1/2 cup if you want bigger pancakes) and scoop out  the batter and slowly pour into the pan so it forms a circle.

Once bubbles begin to appear on the top of the pancake, its ready to flip!  (usually takes like 3 mins, tops).  Then flip to the other side carefully and cook for another 2-3 minutes.

Top with banana, blueberries or any fruit of your choice, dash of more cinnamon and some honey and dive in!  Nomm Nomm!!!

I highly recommend to eat these pre-work out.  Fills you with ton of energy to channel you towards a successful work out! 🙂

Happy pancaking!!