Brian and I definitely don't go all out for Valentine's Day. We don't have dinner reservations tonight - after reading Waiter Rant we both prefer not to eat out on holidays. He will grill steaks (we rarely eat steak so this is a treat) and I'll make the sides. It'll be just how we like it - preparing the meal together yet each in our own domain: he at the grill, me in the kitchen (tiny kitchen + 2 people = not so lovey-lovey).
I don't expect roses. In fact if given a choice I prefer hyacinth, ranunculus, tulips...just about any early spring flower, to roses.
We don't exchange gifts for Valentine's Day. Our gifts to each other are the acts of service we do - I made a special dessert for tonight, he made me breakfast this morning.
I've posted high protein pancakes before. They were awesome. These are completely different and also awesome. The first time I made them, I couldn't imagine how egg whites, cottage cheese and oats could turn into fluffy, delicious pancakes but somehow they do. And all that protein helps you stay full and helps avoid a pancake-coma since it slows down the absorption of the carbs from the oatmeal.
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| Brian likes big pancakes. I like little pancakes. His were about 1 1/2 times the size of mine and he also got three. I don't think I could have finished a full serving of these pancakes, they were so filling! |
Oatmeal High-Protein Pancakes
recipe adapted from The Novice Chef
serves 2
1 cup old-fashioned oats (make sure to use gluten-free, if desired)
1 cup cottage cheese
1 cup egg whites
2 packets stevia (I used Purevia this time)
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
small pinch of salt
Combine all ingredients in a food processor and blend until smooth.
Heat a teaspoon or so of coconut oil (or oil of your choice, alternately use a spritz of non-stick spray) in a skillet or griddle over medium-medium-high heat.
Pour 1/3 cup dollops of batter onto the hot pan and cook 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden and cooked through, flipping once.
Stack cooked pancakes in a 200 degree oven to keep warm while you make the rest of the pancakes.
Top pancakes as desired and serve warm.
Topping ideas:
maple syrup and butter
sugar-free syrup
peanut butter and strawberry preserves
peanut butter and bananas
nutella and sliced strawberries
nutella and bananas
toasted coconut and macadamia nuts/pecans/walnuts
whipped cream
granola
raspberries and blueberries
What are your favorite pancake toppings? How do you celebrate Valentine's Day?
This is my first Valentine's Day with a "real" (male) Valentine...that wasn't my father. ;) We are going out to dinner, but I do think the more special moments/celebrations are the casual, laid-back, working together to create a meal. Sounds like a lovely plan to me!
ReplyDeleteAnd I'm with you on the roses. Give me a tulip any day. :)
I hope you had a fabulous evening with your Valentine!
DeleteAs far as the egg whites go, do you know roughly how many that is? or did you use some kind of egg substitute?
ReplyDeleteThank you!
I also LOVE tulips, daffodils too!
It's approximately 8 - 9 large egg whites. I used Horizon Organic 100% egg whites that comes in the carton so I just measured it out. I have never tried it using whole eggs (the white + yolk) but I'm sure you could - in that case, I would probably use 4 whole eggs. Thanks for the good question!
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