Poolside Pancakes

Hello summer! It's finally feeling like summer on the east coast and as the temperatures rise, those that live in the city flock to the suburbs (and Montauk) to cool down in the pool or the ocean. I'm lucky enough to be able to head to my parent's house in Philadelphia where pool time means Vampire Weekend blasting through the speakers, lemonade with mint picked fresh from the garden, and lots of puppy play time. 

I've started to eat breakfast poolside to enjoy the warm but not yet humid air of the early morning. The dew is still clinging to the grass, there's a slight breeze that makes the leaves on the trees sway in rhythm to the sounds of bunny nibbling on a plant and the squirrels scurrying up the trees. It's so peaceful.

I was craving something really decadent this week and have been struggling with a gluten free pancake recipe that wasn't mushy. I've done almond flour pancakes, banana and egg (which I call banana soup because it never works), and just about any other gluten free recipe you've seen. Not one to give up, I've been recipe testing for about six months to find the perfect blend of ingredients. I knew there had to be a way to make pancakes taste good and have them be gluten free.

Well, I was right. These chocolate, fudgey, gluten free, dairy free pancakes are incredibly delicious. They're fluffy and not too heavy with good for you ingredients that make them a little healthier than your average Bisquick mix (sorry Nick!). Keep in mind, I said a little. I wouldn't recommend eating these every day, but topped with some coconut and blueberries and eaten poolside, these are the ultimate summer vacation treat. Here's what's in them: 

Cocoa powder gives these pancakes their chocolate decadence but without all the sugar. Cocoa powder is full of magnesium for heart and brain health, has 40 times more antioxidants than blueberries, and is rich in iron to help enrich our blood. Almond flour is rich in potassium, calcium, and vitamin E which helps our bones and Vitamin E is great for skin. Coconut butter (and coconut shreds on top) are the healthy fat add to this breakfast, which helps with good cholesterol and keeping you full. Flax has omega-3s for a heart healthy boost and cinnamon, nutmeg, and blueberries add additional antioxidants to this poolside treat.

These are perfect for one, brunch, or breakfast with friends. Enjoy!