Blueberry Pancakes, Oh My!

What comes to your mind when you think of pancakes? Does your mouth start to water at the thought? Does your stomach start to growl in anticipation? Or, do you just not like pancakes?

Now, how about blueberry pancakes… What comes to mind? Maybe a dash of sweetness that turns an already delicious breakfast into an even better one? Now that’s a reason to celebrate!

Today, I’m here to talk to you all about blueberry pancakes because National Blueberry Pancake Day is this Sunday! It’s the perfect time!

More Than a Pancake

Pancakes are a type of quick bread and are also known as hotcakes, griddlecakes, or flapjacks, depending on where you’re enjoying them. In the United States, pancakes are made from a thin batter, typically made with milk, eggs, and flour. A leavening agent such as baking powder is added, which makes them thick and fluffy. In other parts of the world, pancakes are thinner and more like crepes, rolled up with sweet or savory fillings.

Archeological evidence shows that pancakes have likely been eaten since the dawn of the agricultural age, when flour was first regularly used and animal products such as milk and eggs were readily available. They were often eaten as a celebration for Shrove Tuesday in order to use up any perishable ingredients families wanted to use up before beginning the fasting of Lent, when no animal products are eaten for 40 days.

Sweetening the Deal

The best part about pancakes is their versatility. Since the batter lacks any strong-flavored ingredients, you can add just about anything to change up the recipe. Blueberries are the perfect addition for these cold winter months when you may not be eating as much fruit as you do during the warmer weather.

Not only are blueberries delicious but they are full of healthy phytochemicals and antioxidants, which are thought to reduce inflammation. Blueberries are:

Rich in vitamin K, which plays an essential role in your body’s ability to clot blood and plays a role in your bone health.
Great source of manganese, which plays a role in bone production and skin integrity.
Great source of vitamin C, which aids in keeping your immune system healthy. It is also required to produce collagen, a type of protein that is the framework for your skin and bones.
Good source of fiber, which helps keep your digestive system functioning properly and keeps your feeling fuller for longer.

If it’s difficult to find fresh blueberries, you can always try frozen varieties, that way you can enjoy them whenever you like!

3 Ways to Enjoy Blueberry Pancakes

How many ways can you enjoy blueberry pancakes? Here are three ideas to get you started!

Bake up some blueberry chia seed pancakes. Add a tablespoon of chia seeds to thicken the batter. Chia seeds are a great way to get additional fiber as well as more calcium and an additional manganese boost. You can use whole wheat flour for an additional nutritional boost.

Use Greek yogurt in your batter for a protein punch. Mix the yogurt with milk to thin the batter and use buckwheat flour for thinner pancakes for a gluten-free version. Add lemon zest to the batter – lemons complement blueberries perfectly.

Try making flourless pancakes. Mash a banana with a large egg, then stir in 2 tablespoons of quick oats. Pour onto a heated griddle and sprinkle with blueberries and chopped pecans. It’s a great way to make a quick meal packed with vitamins and minerals.

Although blueberry pancakes my sound pretty mundane, there are lots of ways you can enjoy them anytime of the year!

Your turn to take action: What’s your blueberry pancake plan? Let me know in the comments below.