It’s not very nice of Monday to sneak up on a mama like it did today. What the heck happened to the weekend?
My intention was to get up early and get most of my work done before the boys got up and we were off to start my marathon of a day teaching 6 different classes. However, duty called and the boys woke up two hours earlier than normal and poor Joaquin was crying “Mommy hold you”. Change of plans.
So, we’ll see if I can get these two recipes to you while my pajama wearing friends watch Sesame Street.
It’s no secret I’ve been a little obsessed with chia lately. We’ve added it to green eggs and oats, chia cookie dough dip, the Peanut Butter Surprise Pizoatie….. the list goes on and on.
Simply stated, chia just makes everything better. I love the stuff, the nutritional benefits of the super seed (I listed some in my original Chia’rific post and found this article just now with a list of all the benefits) and I’m convinced my complexion has gotten better since I added chia to my diet on a daily basis.
In a perfect world chia would also take care of my awful brown spots on my face and act like fairy dust that I could sprinkle on my “piles” to magically organize themselves, but I don’t see that happening anytime soon.
This weekend consisted of a couple of chia experiments.
I promised you the recipe for these amazing protein pancakes the other day so here we go.
I whipped these up after boot camp Saturday and they were so impressive I just had to share.
Protein Power Pancakes
(serves one hungry mama or two green pancake loving toddlers)
1/2 ripe banana (I used a frozen one that I defrosted in the microwave)
1/2 cup egg substitute
handful of spinach (optional)
2 tablespoons oats
1 tablespoon coconut flour
1 tablespoon chia
1/4 teaspoon vanilla
cinnamon to taste
optional- 1 sweetener packet or teaspoon of sugar
(I didn’t use any sweetener because the ripe banana added enough sweetness.)
Combine all ingredients and cook on griddle or stove top.
Here’s the evolution of my Saturday breakfast.
That’s a big gob of SunButter on there with sugar free maple syrup.
Okay. One more chia creation to start your week.
My friend Sarena called me a tease when I posted a picture of this on Facebook yesterday.
I obviously have a little problem. I create a new recipe and then pretty much have it everyday for about two weeks (usually trying to create new versions of it). I’ve done it with the microwave muffin (making it green, subbing in pumpkin, making it chocolate), overnight oats, French Toast bakes, different broccoli slaw concoctions, etc.
Well, this protein cookie dough is my new obsession. I took it a step further yesterday by adding some chia. Friends, I think we have a winner.
Chia Protein Cookie Dough Dip
(serves 1 cookie dough loving mama)
1/4 cup oats (20 grams)
1/3 cup brown rice cereal (10 grams)
2 tablespoons PB2 (12 grams)
1 scoop vanilla protein powder (10 grams)
1 tablespoon peanut butter (or other nut butter)
2 tablespoons unsweetened applesauce
2 teaspoons chia seed (10 grams)
(If needed you can add additional applesauce or a little nondairy milk to help combine ingredients.)
Mix all ingredients together until combined. Roll into a ball or press into a dish.
Refrigerate (or eat straight from the bowl).
Holy moly.
I don’t even know what to say except that you’ve got to try this now. Like NOW!
There’s still time to enter the Chobani Champions giveaway. I’ll be picking three winners tonight and announce them tomorrow morning!
Well, shoot. Now I don’t have time to shower. It’s a good thing I’m going to be sweaty all day anyway. If you’re someone that I’ll be seeing today in my classes, you might want to stand far away. Ha!
Also…. since I’ve made this protein cookie dough dip a few too many times, I’m almost out of protein powder. I’m in search of a good gluten free one. Any suggestions? Do you have a favorite protein powder?
Have a great day!
I can just imagine you tossing chia around the house hoping it will organize your desk
Chia IS amazing and so are spinach pancakes…best. breakfast. ever.
I do have it in a salt shaker for easy access. I should take that around the house.
What cute little guys! Love those quilts!
That dip looks amazing! Must try soon!
I love the quilts. My good friend made them. I want one for myself. Yes, you must try that cookie dough soon!!! He he!
Mmmm… green pancakes! What egg replacer do you use? I’ve just been making flax eggs but I don’t think the consistency is right for pancakes.
Have you ever used apple cider vinegar as a toner for your face? I swear it’s helped my spots.
Is there anything ACV can’t do? I think it actually helped my skin feel smoother since I started taking shots of the stuff!
As for the egg sub, do you do chia gel Laura? It’s pretty amazing stuff. Also, in my opinion, nothing fluffs up pancakes more than egg whites. However, if you aren’t doing the egg thing now, ACV and baking powder have incredible lifting power too for pancakes!
I do that every morning too!
I have used chia gel, though not in pancakes. How much ACV do you add?
My last gluten free pancakes were 1 TBSP ACV to 1 1/2 cups almond milk and 1 TBSP baking powder. This was for 2 cups flour and I used 1/2 cup egg whites, but I don’t think eggs are completely necessary. I like to get the protein from them though.
Okay, wait. You take shots of it everyday? Just plain? What are the benefits?
On my face? Really? Like after I wash it?
Yup – I just pour a bit on a cotton ball and rub it across my face. Your eyes WILL water.
My “shot” is poured in a glass of water (you can add a little stevia if it’s too strong). It’s great for energy, skin, and digestion!
I need to make that chia cookie dough dip – looks delicious!
Have you tried Sun Warrior protein powder? It’s vegan AND gluten free: http://www.sunwarrior.com/products/sunwarrior-protein
Not yet Heather, but j want to. It’s so darn pricey though. Have you?
Yes, it’s what I am using now.They often have sale prices on Open Sky and I get a big bag.
I am all over this cookie dough, but first I have my chickpeas ready for the original recipe! I’m making it today! I do the same with quickie treats. I find something I love and eat it till I can’t stand it then move on. Then I think, “why don’t I make that anymore”, then I make it again until I get sick of it. I think a lot of it is for the ease of making things. I don’t have time to think about it most of the time, so I go with the quickie treat and move on. As for protein powders, I just started using Life’s Basics http://www.lifetimevitamins.com/products/lifetime_plantprotein.html, per Lindsay’s suggestion. I do like it, but I just got the vanilla and chocolate last week, so I’m new to it. I’m always on the look out for good dairy and gluten free protein sources though. Good luck today! I hope to get in a run with Jay this afternoon since the sun is shining!
I hope you got your run in with Jay.. Thanks for the protein powder suggestion. I will check it out.
And I’m so like that with little dessert treats (and breakfast). Same thing every day until I get sick of it. Ha.
Oh, I knew I loved Chia for a reason!! I have been taking a “shot” of it with juice for a few months now, mainly for the hydration/blood sugar balance but now I know it is doing other good things too! I am also perpetually on the hunt for a gf protein powder… I’ve been using whey protein from Whole Foods but I am not 100% sure how I feel about that yet… so do share if you find something!! I also don’t want to spend a million $$ to buy it
So demanding!
I’ll let you know if I find a good protein powder. Yeah, why are some of them so darn expensive? That’s just silly. I picked up some packets to try from the store the other day. So glad you’re enjoying your chia!
We’ve been having some earlier-than-normal wake ups in our house, too… can’t figure it out. But thank goodness for SS to buy some time.
Yummy recipes, I need to try those pancakes–they’re one of L’s favorite foods. And I now have a stuft kitty print out, so maybe I can participate this week. 
Laura- would love to see some Flat Kitty pics from you! Oh and SS- sooo glad the boys finally like it. It bought me some serious time yesterday.
I’ve been looking for a healthier, gluten free pancake recipe, and that one sounds like it will do the trick! Thank you for sharing. Also, is there anything cuter than a couple of pajama-clad, blaneket-snuggled little boys? Omg. Can I have them?
Candy- totally had the gluten free thing in mind when I made these.
You can come babysit ANYTIME- especially at 6:30 am. Ha!
my google reader has so many of your chia recipes starred. Youre a star in my book! hehe. Keep ‘em coming.
You’re a star in mine. I want to buy your ebook!!!!
I am in love with chia seeds! They’re great because they don’t have to be ground like flax for your body to get the benefits!
Oh, how I hate when the kids wake up early. Always sets the day off on a hectic note.
I know and it’s ALWAYS when you have a ton to get done before they get up. That’s just not cool.
Oh my the cookie dough dip is something I have to try asap. Sounds and looks delish. Love Chia too! Pinned it.
Thanks for the pin Angie! Let me know when you try the protein cookie dough.
I need to try chia seeds. I’ve been afraid to because sometimes certain textures freak me out lol, but I think it’s time I suck it up and try it! Both of these recipes look fabulous!
I get the texture thing. Sometimes if they’ve soaked and the get that slimey gel consitency it’s a little wierd, but it’s still fun. I think I like them more just added to things (like this protein dough) because they’re still a little crunchy. You’ve got to try them Lindsay!
That cookie dough dip sounds amazing!
The whey protein powder I use now is GNC Amplified Wheybolic Extreme 60. Tastes good and is gluten free except for cookies and cream flavor. I have used the chocolate and vanilla.
Does it mix well? How many calories are in it? I may have to try it out.
I need to try the chia cookie dough yum!!!! I also love those pancakes, I have made spinach pancakes before, but not in so long!
Happy week to you! <3
Kristin- try Vega protein powder in vanilla chai. Vegan, gluten free, no fillers… by Brendan Brazier, a Canadian vegan triathlete. It has yellow pea/hemp/rice protein, chia, and maca, which repairs the adrenals. It’s sourced from whole foods- amazing product!!!