Guilt-Free Cottage Cheese Pancakes

I've been on a mission for the last two months to make our meals as healthy as possible.  I've taken some of our old favorite recipes and given them a makeover and I'm thrilled when I find new recipes that my family loves.  

Yesterday, my son asked for pancakes.  I've been making a point of making nice breakfasts on the weekends and he loves flapjacks covered in syrup!  I decided to see what I could come up with for him that would be healthier and not just empty calories and sugar!

I remembered that when we were on our Wisconsin vacation with my in laws that my mother in law had made pancakes with cottage cheese.  That would give them a high amount of protein!

I was able to make 9 pancakes from the recipe so I'm making them again tomorrow and messing with the recipe a bit to make 12, enough for the whole family!

Cottage Cheese Pancakes

adapted from Martha Stewart

• 3 large eggs, separated, yolks lightly beaten
• 1 cup full- or low-fat cottage cheese
• 1 tsp ground flax seed
• 1/4 tsp almond extract
• 1/8 cup sugar
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 tsp baking powder
• 1/8 tsp salt
• 
  

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat egg whites on medium-high speed until stiff, glossy peaks form.
2. In another bowl stir together egg yolks, cottage cheese, almond extract, sugar, flour, baking powder and salt. Gently fold the egg whites into the batter.
3. Heat a griddle to medium high heat. Spray with Pam or grease with a small amount of butter. Using a 1/4 measuring cup,  scoop  batter onto the skillet for each pancake. Cook until surfaces bubble and edges are set, about 1 minute. Flip pancakes, cooking about 3 minutes more until undersides are golden brown. Repeat process until you have worked through all the batter.  Serve with maple syrup or my favorite topping....cherry preserves!

Poor Keith got this poor little pancake because he missed breakfast.  The early bird gets the pancakes.  The sleepy-head gets nothing!

 

Better Muffins From a Box

Do you keep boxes of muffin mix in the party for emergency breakfasts? 

My kids love these blueberry muffins and I like to make them when they least expect it or if there is a holiday.  This week, I decided President's Day was a good time.

I decided to mess with the recipe a little bit.  Try to make them a little healthier and in turn, yummier.

I used olive oil instead of vegetable and cut the amount in half.  I added one smashed ripe banana and 1 tablespoon of ground flax seed.  This created the most moist and delicious muffins that I've ever made!  The kids loved them.

Valentine's Day Fruit Cups

A few weeks ago, I found myself in charge of planning TWO Kindergarten Valentine Day parties.  I knew I was planning the one for my daughter's class but suddenly, my son's class was without a planner and you know I can't resist a challenge.   This is the only year that this will work because one party was in the morning and the other in the afternoon.   From this point on, I'm bringing a snack and sprinting back and forth between the two parties.

I've done my time!

I decided to be THAT Mom and plan some healthy snacks.  Fruit cups, organic pretzels, rice crispy treats with homemade marshmallows and beautifully decorated water bottles.

the young and the relentless is my OTHER blog.

I got an idea to cut the strawberries and watermelons into heart shapes.  Because I love love and I love Valentine's Day.  It really wasn't that hard to do, I just used a couple heart shaped cookie cutters.  They were a big hit with the kids!

The parties were fun and I love watching the kids do crafts and play games but I'm so glad it's over!

Sausage, Potato and Kale Soup

I started this soup on Tuesday afternoon when I would normally pick my son up from school.  I had this extra time because Keith left his office early due to sub-freezing temps in Denver that resulted in a freezing office.

My husband and son decided to grab Taco Bell for dinner on the way home.

I tell you this little story because I believe making this soup half way and then sticking it in the fridge for a day....made it so much better. I made it up until it was time to throw in the kale.  When you re-heat it, put the kale in.  YUM!

Please visit The Pioneer Woman for the Sausage, Potato and Kale Soup recipe.

What's For Dinner: Feb 10th-16th

I made some tasty meals last week but the highlight was eating lunch at Carl's Pizza yesterday!  I'll be telling you all about it on Wednesday!

 

My favorite meal last week was the Black Bean Taco Salad with Mango Salsa minus the Taco.  It was super easy to throw together and was very satisfying.   Next time, I'm going to add more black beans.

My husband's favorite meal was the hamburger, portabello mushroom with egg.  I had some leftover cabbage that I sliced thinly and put in the oven with the hamburgers and mushrooms to roast.  It was great!

It was really nice to get away and have a book club meeting at my friend Heather's house.  Good wine and a few appetizers really hit the spot!

Sunday:  Teriyaki Chicken Bowls with Broccoli (homemade chicken nuggets for the kids)
Monday: Spaghetti with Italian Sausage
Tuesday: Curry Cauliflower with Kale, Cashews and Quinoa
Wednesday: Steak Tacos with Homemade Salsa
Thursday: Breakfast Burritos
Friday: Chicken Thighs with Peppers and Onions
Saturday: Bi Bam Bap (recipe from The Taste)

Linking up with I'm an Organized Junkie for Menu Plan Monday!

What's For Dinner: Feb 4-9th

Happy Super Bowl Day!

We decided on Hot Dogs, Nachos and Hummus with Veggies.  And beer.  I always love stalking facebook and seeing what other people are eating during the big game.  I'm excited to watch the commercials more than the game.  Who are you cheering for?

Several menu items are coming over from last week.  I accidentally ate Thin Mints for dinner one night, when my kids wanted cereal.   One new dish I did make was good but my husband has little desire to eat it again.  I guess cabbage is an acquired taste.

Monday:  Black bean Salad with Mango Salsa. (recipe to come)
Tuesday:  Hamburgers topped with Roasted Portabello Mushrooms and Egg, Salad
Wednesday: Chicken Thighs, Quinoa with Feta and Cranberries, Salad
Thursday: Sweet Potato/Spinach/Onion Hash with Egg
Friday: Grilled Cheese  and Carrots
Saturday: Dinner out at Carl's Pizza

Linking up with I'm an Organizing Junkie for Menu Plan Monday.