We have already established that I like food. We have also established that I like dessert. Pretty much anything that is cooked decently and you give to me I will eat. In fact I will eat a lot of it; a trait I proudly inherited from my father. For as long as I can remember I have been a "good eater"... the girl who frequently has out-eaten guys, throws caution to the wind for seconds, even thirds, and who my friends proudly refer to when they eat "as much as Rachel." In fact just recently my dear friend Sarah proudly pointed out the fact that if she and I were in a hot dog eating contest we would SURELY win since I would be on the team. Some of you might think this is disgusting. Sorry. In a society where female are constantly expected to be reserved and cautious about food, I am proud to say I eat until I am full and until I am satisfied. It's for the best anyways, ask anyone who knows me, you do not want to see me hungry.
There are two instances that distinctly mark my food love and also my eating ability. Both bear no specific date stamps, mainly because they were a common occurrence.
**disclaimer... this portion contains my short history of eating, if you want the recipe scroll down now**
The first has to do with visits from my grandparents. Every time they came to visit we would go to my grandfather's favorite "greasy spoon" for breakfast. I always loved these meals for two reasons. 1) I could get whatever (and as much) as I wanted and 2) it was a tradition my grandfather always looked forward to, one where he was in his element. I always ordered the same thing; a breakfast sandwich with canadian bacon, one plate-sized chocolate chip pancake, a side of corned beef hash, and a hot chocolate with whipped cream. My brother Seth always got three chocolate chip pancakes and tried to steal my hash while also trying to out-eat me. I always beat him on both counts. I bring this memory up not just because it makes me sound like a pig, but also because it is a tradition I can no longer share with my grandfather. He passed away when I was thirteen, but his loud explanation every time someone questioned my order that I was a "growing girl and that I should be able to eat what I want" is only one of many heart-warming memories from our time together.
The next food-centered memory of my un-relenting consumption needs comes a few years after my grandfather's passing. For those of you who do not know I grew up in a small western Massachusetts town. I had a horse growing up and two of my best friends to this day came from the bond we formed over our daily excursions to the barn. But one of the fondest is from our half days, when we would leave school and instead of taking the bus to our horses would walk down town. Our lunch would consist of grilled cheese and fries, maybe even a milkshake. After this we headed to the convenience store and stocked up on candy, chips, instant coffees, and whatever else we were still craving. These would be eaten as we continued our trek to the barn, where we would promptly clean our horse's stalls and then go for a ride. It is funny to think of the sheer amount of crap I could throw into my body at this stage in my life without feeling full, guilty, or sick . Half days at the barn were only filled with laughter and music, never doubts.
Of course there came a point in my life where I did have to start watching what I ate. Gone were the days when every meal could be pancakes, egg sandwiches, hot chocolate, grilled cheese, BBQ curl Fritos, instant cappuccino, gummy worms, hot fudge and peanut butter ice cream sundaes, and peanut butter Twix (not that I don't still cave on occasion). As college approached my body finally started putting up a bit of a protest. Not enough to really slow me down, but by the time I emerged as a first year teacher I was a bit unhappy with my appearance. People are rolling their eyes right now, I can feel it. I have always been told I was skinny, but it is important to recognize that each person is their own and has a different view of themselves than others might. It is not that I felt disgusting, I just missed the days of muscle and energy. I had become lethargic, and my body was starting to have medical issues. So I went on my first diet. No grains, sugar, dairy, or beans. Almost primal but the painful version, this one had no fats in it (as we all know fats are the best). I stuck with it long enough to kick my medical issues and drop weight, but then integrated back in some grains and dairy. The weight immediately came back, but since the other issues did not and I had re-found my energy, I was okay with that.
Long story short it took me 5 more years to reach the point I am at now, where I have found a lifestyle that allows me to feel and look healthy, and where I can again enjoy eating. Yes, the days of old are still gone. They have been reduced to the occasional ice cream, candy, grilled cheese or cookie binge. There's no reason to completely alter a lifestyle to the point where you can't be flexible! (wink wink) But the important point is while I no longer gorge myself on crap, I can still out eat Eric (and many others), and (lucky for you) I have started finding creative ways to get around old cooking barriers such as needing flour or sugar to make most desserts or breakfasts. Nothing irritates me more than not being able to have a cookie after dinner or a pancake on Sundays.
Enter some of my latest creations. These two recipes satisfy my craving for chocolate chip pancakes or cookies while still being healthy. They are also (like my biscuits) full of things that are good for your body, which is always a plus! No, they will not taste 100% amazingly delicious like a "real" dessert, but I find patience, adjustment, and health makes up for this. If you do not enjoy them by all means tell me, I am always looking for ways to improve.
Without further ado...
Coconut Pancakes with Walnut and Banana Topping
(makes 4 small or 2 large) For Pancakes:
- 1/4 cup coconut flour
- 2 tbsp milk
- 2 eggs (or 3 for moister pancakes)
- 1/4 cup shaved coconut
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp baking soda
- 1 tbsp agave
- coconut oil for pan
For topping
- 1 banana, cut into small slices
- 1/2 cup walnut, chopped
- coconut oil for pan
For Pancakes: Blend all wet ingredients, then add dry. Heat coconut oil in a non-stick frying pan or griddle to medium heat. Pour desired amount of batter into frying pan or griddle, it does not expand much. Cook for about 2 minutes, until side is dark brown flip and re-flatten with spatula so not as thick. Repeat until looks something like picture to left.
For Topping:
Add more oil to pan, add walnuts and saute for about a minute, they burn fast! Just lightly toast and then set aside in bowl. Then with a little more oil add banana slices, cook for about a minute each side until lightly browned. Add walnut and banana to top of pancake, drizzle a little maple syrup or honey on top, maybe add some eggs on the side, and eat!
And for dessert, everything about this is primal except the chocolate chips...
(makes 6-8 depending on size preferences)
- 1/4 cup coconut flour
- 1/4 cup almond flour
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp baking soda
- 1 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice (3/4 tsp cinn. 3/4 tsp nutmeg)
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 3 eggs
- 1/8 cup honey
- 1/2 tsp vanilla
- 1/2 or more of semi-sweet chocolate chips (or other)
Preheat oven to 375. Mix all wet ingredients first, then one by one add dry while mixing in between. We just add semi-sweet chocolate chips to taste (which means a lot) but we also think if you aren't as worried about sugars you could use butterscotch and it would be delicious.
Put them on either a greased pan or put on parchment paper first. They won't change shape/size much so it's all up to you! Cook at 375 for 15ish minutes, when you insert a butter knife and it comes out clean they are done. These are simple and delicious, eat them when they are just out of the oven for maximum enjoyment!
*recipes modified from various websites including http://www.primal-palate.com/ and http://www.marksdailyapple.com/
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