Spirulina Spelt Pancakes

It's Earth Day! I love how Duluth celebrates Earth Day. We visited the Bike Swap this morning, followed by the opening of the Farmers Market! It feels like summer is around the corner! 

We celebrated this morning with some green pancakes! The kids giggled with  delight when I set them down. Normally, they like their fruit on the side but the banana flowers were great fun.  

This recipe tastes earthy. If you think your littles might want it a little sweeter, add some honey or maple syrup to the batter. Enjoy this beautiful sunny day!! 🌞

Spirulina Spelt Pancakes

20 min, serves 4-5

Ingredients: 

2 eggs

1 c milk (dairy or non) 

1/4 c olive oil plus some for frying

1 t baking soda

1 t baking powder

1/2 t salt

1 t spirulina powder

1 3/4 c spelt flour

Directions: 

1. Whisk eggs and milk together in large bowl. 

2. Stir in the olive oil and then the dry ingredients. 

3. use about 1/2 c per pancake

Apple Buckwheat Muffins

We have a family case of strep throat. :( But, don't feel too bad for us. Our symptoms tend to be mild and it just gives us a reason to have a slow 24 hours at home.  Secretly, I'm enjoying it. Well, now that the meds have kicked in, that is. We're thankful for modern medicine today. 

This cold, rainy morning seemed like a perfect time to make muffins. I love using different flours in my baking. Buckwheat flour is awesome. It contains protein, vitamins and minerals, fiber, magnesium, and more. It's actually technically gluten free too! Amazing, huh? There's no reason not to use it! It's also really easy to substitute into your baking. Unlike nut flours, it's much easier to get the consistency you want with baked goods using buckwheat flour. You gotta try it. Go!

Apple Buckwheat Muffins

30 min, makes 12

Ingredients: 

2 eggs

2/3 c Greek yogurt (use less if using regular yogurt) 

1/4 c apple juice

1 banana, mashed with 1 T water

1/2 t salt

1 t baking soda

1 1/4 c buckwheat flour

3 dates, chopped

1 apple, chopped

2 T goji berries (optional)

Directions: 

Heat oven to 375 F

Mix wet ingredients and dry ingredients in separate bowls

Fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients

Stir in apples, dates, and goji berries

Scoop into greased muffin tin

Bake for 25 min, or until knife inserted comes out clean

Cajun Spiced Turkey Burgers

The last time I had a turkey burger I was in college. I was trying to make healthy food choices and bought  a pack of frozen turkey burgers. They were... boring, dry, and demanded ketchup or some sort of enhancement. I think I've avoided them ever since. They seemed like the sad healthy substitute for a "real burger." 

I've really been trying to vary my protein, however, so I thought I'd give the turkey burger another go. I went for a whole lot of spices.  I call it cajun-style because I definitely don't have the experience to call something authentically Cajun. But, oh man, the cajun-style spices we're perfect on these burgers! Totally flavorful, juicy, and delicious. Don't be overwhelmed by all the spices. They are great ones you should have in your cabinet anyway!

Cajun Spiced Turkey Burgers

30 min, makes 10 patties

Ingredients: 

2.5 lb ground turkey

1 egg

1/4 c almond flour

1 1/2 t salt

1/4 t pepper

1 t paprika

1/2 t onion powder

1/2 t oregano

1/4 t cayenne

1/2 t turmeric

1/2 t cumin

1/2 t basil

1/2 t garlic powder

1/8 t cardamom

2 T olive oil for frying 

Red pepper and avocado for topping, if desired

Directions: 

Put all ingredients in large bowl and combine with hands until thoroughly mixed.

Shape into patties. 

Heat oil on grill on medium heat.

Place patties on grill and fry on each side for about 5 min, or until pink is gone and temp hits 165.