Hearty Pumpkin Pancakes (Dairy Free)

Published on by GinaLeave a comment

Hearty Pumpkin Pancakes

I realize pumpkin craze season is long gone but I had to use up some pumpkin puree and was in the mood for pancakes yesterday, so this recipe combining the two hit the spot. I love that it’s chock full of pumpkin — seriously, a whole 15 oz. can! — and light on oil and sugar, so it’s something I can feel good feeding my family, even if it’s more decadent than our usual breakfast. I’d describe these pancakes as dense and cake-like vs. light and fluffy, but they’re truly delish and have become a fast favorite in my pancake rotation. If you’re looking for something to do with your leftover pumpkin like I was, or simply want to try out a new pancake recipe, give these pumpkin pancakes a try. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do!

Hearty Pumpkin Pancakes
Makes 8-10 large pancakes

Ingredients

  • 1 15 oz. can pure pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling, which is loaded with sugar)
  • 1 large egg
  • ¾ cup unsweetened almond milk (or other milk of choice)
  • 1 tbsp melted coconut oil
  • 1 cup oat flour
  • ½ cup all purpose flour
  • 2 tbsp cane sugar
  • ½ tsp cinnamon
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • Coconut oil for sautéing

Directions

  1. Add the first 4 ingredients to a medium bowl and mix until well combined.
  2. In a second bowl, add the remaining ingredients and mix until well combined.
  3. Add mixture from the second bowl to the mixture in the first bowl and mix until blended.
  4. Get a large skillet nice and hot by placing over medium heat and add a tablespoon of coconut oil to prevent sticking. Pour pancake batter into the skillet using a measuring cup or spoon, and saute until firm enough to flip (about 3 minutes), then saute on the other side for another few minutes. Repeat until there’s no more batter left, adding more coconut oil to the pan as needed. Top with maple syrup and enjoy!

*Adapted from Natasha’s Kitchen’s Pumpkin Pancakes

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

What’s your favorite pancake recipe?

hearty-pumpkin-pancakes-header-pinterest

 

Rekindling Romance After Having a Baby

Published on by GinaLeave a comment

HRE-7430

Since Valentine’s Day was yesterday and love is still top of mind, I thought I’d share my thoughts on keeping romance alive after having a baby. While bringing a little one into the world is one of the best experiences in life hands down, it can take a toll on other relationships, particularly the one you have with your significant other. On top of all the fun physical changes you’re going through postpartum (hello crazy hormones, leaky boobs, night sweats and massive hair loss!), you’re also dealing with the inevitable changes that come along with caring for a new baby. You know, exhaustion, spit up, blow outs, wearing the same yoga pants for five months straight. Not exactly a recipe for romance!

Personally, my relationship with my husband definitely took a backseat for the first several months post baby, as I think it should have. At some point though, it’s important to make time to connect one-on-one again for the sake of your relationship long term. While this is still very much a work in progress for us, here are some easy things that have helped me and my hubs get back that loving feeling. Continue reading “Rekindling Romance After Having a Baby” →

Healthy Homemade Chocolate Truffles (Gluten & Dairy Free)

Published on by GinaLeave a comment

Homemade Chocolate Truffles

Truthfully I’ve never been much of a Valentine’s Day person, single or not. I think it makes single people feel bad and puts pressure on people in relationships to come up with some grand gesture of love on an arbitrary day. That said, I am a chocolate person and can get behind any excuse to eat more of it! With that in mind, I wanted to share a quick, healthy and delicious recipe for homemade chocolate truffles.

My sister discovered this recipe years ago and she makes the truffles every year over the holidays. They’re a big hit! But I think they’re a perfect treat for Valentine’s Day as well. On top of being super easy, the recipe is also healthy and free of junk! It uses just a few wholesome ingredients and is dairy and gluten free–if you’re someone who cares about that. Best of all, they’re seriously tasty. Whip up a batch and give them to a loved one or simply treat yourself!

Healthy Homemade Chocolate Truffles
Makes 12-14 large-sized truffles

Ingredients

  • 1 cup almond flour or almond meal
  • ¾ cup cocoa powder
  • ⅓ cup honey
  • 1.5 tbsp coconut oil, melted
  • Unsweetened shredded coconut (optional)

Directions

  1. Add all ingredients except for coconut to a large bowl and mix well until you have a very firm “dough” (You don’t need an electric mixer. A wooden spoon and good old elbow grease will do!). If mixture isn’t holding together well, add a little more coconut oil.
  2. Form truffles by rolling small amounts of the mixture in your hands.
  3. If using coconut, put coconut in a separate bowl and dip each truffle in the flakes to coat the outside. You could also use crushed peanuts or pistachios, or really anything you like!
  4. Put truffles in the refrigerator to harden. Keep in the refrigerator until ready to serve. You can also freeze them for longer-term use.

*Adapted from Kimberly Snyder’s Raw Cacao Truffles recipe

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

If you make these, let me know how you like them!

oatmeal cookies

Our Engagement Story

Published on by GinaLeave a comment

Five years ago today, David and I got engaged. Now that we’re married, it’s easy to forget anniversaries beyond our wedding date (I can hardly remember my own birthday!), but I think it’s important to celebrate the smaller things and acknowledge how far we’ve come. In some ways it feels like a lifetime ago that David was getting down on one knee and popping the question, and in others, if feels like just yesterday. So, in honor of our “engagement anniversary,” here’s the story behind David’s proposal. Continue reading “Our Engagement Story” →