Last week’s post on toddler friendly protein foods sparked a lot of conversations with the families that I work with about how much protein kids need. As I mentioned, it is often less than parents think. However, as I was working with some of my pickiest toddlers this past week, it had me constantly thinking about nutrient-dense finger foods that they can and will eat. My go-to is often pancakes! For those of you who know me, this is old news. I have probably already recommended my favorite pancake recipe, Power Up Pancakes. The recipe is included in this post.
Most toddlers prefer to feed themselves and are usually more actively interested in eating when they can feed themselves and decide what and how much they will eat. Many kids like pancakes which can be made from any number of healthy ingredients and blended into a batter in a conventional blender or food processor – nothing fancy needed. I like to use egg whites, oats, cottage cheese, flax meal and cinnamon for my batter. Applesauce, yogurt, chia, carrots, and banana are a few other ingredients that come to mind, but the sky is the limit. Let me know if you have a good pancake recipe or ingredients that you would be willing to share!
Power Up Pancakes
Ingredients:
6 egg whites
1 cup rolled oats, dry
1 cup cottage cheese
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon vanilla
Instructions:
In a blender, blend all ingredients until smooth. Heat a griddle or large non-stick skillet over medium-low heat. Spray with non-stick cooking spray. For each pancake pour 1/4 cup of batter onto griddle. Flip when they start to bubble. Cook until golden brown. Repeat with remaining batches, spraying the griddle as needed. Makes about 10 pancakes.
-Adapted from “The Biggest Loser”
