Healthier Pancakes the Kids Will Like

If you want options for a healthier breakfast the kids might like, or if you want to get away from using pre-made, frozen pancakes or waffles with long lists of ingredients, try varying a homemade recipe. If normally using a boxed mix for pancakes, use instead a blend of unbleached and whole wheat flours, in at least a 2:1 ratio - for example, if the mix calls for a cup and a half, use a cup of unbleached, half a cup of whole wheat, and a couple teaspoons of baking powder, mixing the dry ingredients separately prior to adding the other ingredients. The flour maker will usually have a recipe or a website link for specifics.

While these will be more filling and taste better, as well as provide considerably more benefit than bleached flours or pre-boxed mixes while costing less, I can get my kids to clean their plates a couple ways - before mixing wet ingredients, for example, mash a ripe banana into the mixing bowl, and add a teaspoon of vanilla extract and a tablespoon or two of brown sugar. Or, drop some chocolate chips, chopped apples or blueberries onto the pancakes just before turning. I also sometimes used crushed walnuts, letting them toast in the pan a minute prior, or cinnamon.

Letting younger kids help make them encourages them to eat as well. With a little imagination, healthier breakfasts can be more interesting for the whole family.