Adding Flax to Pancakes

Flax seeds are high in healthy fats and fiber.

Transform traditional pancakes into a healthy breakfast treat. Flax seed added to pancake batter before cooking enhances the nutrition of any pancake mix or recipe. Flax seeds contain fiber and omega-3 fatty acids. To better absorb these nutrients from the seeds, grind them. But keep in mind that fatty acids are apt to turn rancid after grinding. Wait until you're ready to make your pancakes to grind and add the flax seeds to the mix; the final result will taste better.

Things You'll Need

• 1/4 Cup flax seeds
• Coffee or spice grinder
• 1-3/4 Cups pancake mix
• 1 Egg, beaten
• 1-1/2 Cups water
• 1 tbsp. Butter
• Griddle
• Ladle
• 2 tbsp. Whole flax seeds (optional)
• Spatula

Instructions

1. Grind the flax seeds in a coffee or spice grinder until they resemble a fine powder. They should end up the texture of wheat germ or wheat bran.

2. Mix the dry pancake batter and ground flax seeds.

3. Stir the beaten egg and water into the pancake mix to create a lumpy batter. Do not overmix to smooth out the batter; your pancakes will be tough if you stir too much.

4. Heat a griddle to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or to medium-high heat until a water droplet dances across the surface.

5. Spoon ladlefuls of pancake batter onto the hot griddle.

6. Divide 2 tbsp. of whole flax seeds among the pancakes on the griddle. Sprinkle a small amount onto the top of each pancake. (optional)

7. Cook the pancakes for 1 to 2 minutes or until they're browned on the bottom and bubbly around the edges.

8. Flip the flax seed pancakes and cook on the bottom for 1 to 2 minutes or until they're browned on the bottom.

Tips & Warnings

• For larger proportions of pancake batter, substitute 1/4 cup of ground flax seeds for 1/4 cup of dry pancake mix. Use this proportion for every 2 cups of dry pancake mix in the original recipe. For instance, use 1/2 cup of ground flax seeds and 3-1/2 cups of pancake mix instead of 4 cups of pancake mix. Add the other ingredients as directed by the pancake mix for the original amount of pancake mix in the recipe. For instance, if using 1/4 cup of flax seeds and 1-3/4 cups of pancake mix to replace 2 cups of pancake mix, use the eggs and water required by the mix instructions for 2 cups of pancake mix.

References

• "101 Things to Do With Pancake Mix"; Stephanie Ashcraft; 2011
• "The Flax Cookbook: Recipes and Strategies for Getting the Most from the Most Powerful Plant on the Planet"; Elaine Magee; 2002