Pancakes Plus!

Kids love pancakes...and so do I. What I like even better than pancakes, are pancakes plus a little extra nutrition packed inside. My children are picky eaters to begin with, and add to that having to be gluten-free, I need to add an extra something healthy into whatever I make for them to eat. Pancakes makes it easy...I start with our family's favorite g-free mix, Kinnikinnik Pancake and Waffle mix...I follow the directions but I sub in Almond milk, add a little extra vanilla, and then some Almond meal. I have made my own almond meal in the past but quickly discovered that it is easier and cheaper to buy Trader Joe's already packaged almond meal. By adding almond milk and almond meal I am adding pre-biotics, protein, and fiber to our meal with no effort at all, and no one can tell I did it! Occasionally I sneak in a little ground flaxseed, too!  I serve my pancakes with Earth Balance spread, pure maple syrup or a 50/50 blend of maple and agave syrups (also available at Trader Joe's). These are great with syrup, but are so full of flavor that half the time we eat them plain. I usually chop up some strawberries, too...it makes me so happy to add fruit to any meal! When I make this for dinner or for guests, I usually scramble some eggs and make turkey bacon, as well. Enjoy!