Thursday, February 6, 2014

P is for Pairing #3 {ReDux}

Earlier this week I created an indulgent pairing with my CranBacon Cheese Ball & Crackers, and a kid-friendly pairing with my Toasty Tasty Trio to enjoy with in-shell pistachios. Today I have a light pairing, that I think makes a great breakfast, and then I have one more I'd like to share tomorrow, so make sure you come back to see what I've created, and what the other Recipe ReDux dietitians are up to!

Please note that I received free pistachio samples from the Pistachio Health Institute mentioned in this post. By posting this pairing I am entering a contest sponsored by Pistachio Health Institute and am eligible to win prizes associated with the contest. I was not compensated for my time.

I struggled to name this pairing (and didn't take my husband's advice to call it Sharon - no reason, just because). However, it includes in-shell pistachios, protein packed pancakes, berries and a bubbly drink, so I decided to call it The New PB

 What's in The New PB?
In-shell Pistachios + Raspberries + Mini Pancakes + Honey + Carbonated Water & OJ

I love breakfast foods, but to keep things light, I made the pancakes with oats, cottage cheese, eggs, vanilla, and cinnamon, and then I made them small. In-shell pistachios are already shown to help us with portion control, but smaller servings and smaller dishes can also help us out.  
To make the mini pancakes, combine 1/2 cup cottage cheese with 1/2 cup dry oats, 2 eggs, 1/2 tsp of vanilla extract, and 1/2 tsp of cinnamon. Blend ingredients together with a hand-blender (or actual blender or magicbullet, etc.) until smooth.  Heat a grill or frying pan to medium-low.  Once warm, add about 1/8 cup of batter for each mini pancake. Watch for them to release from the pan (about 2-3 minutes), then flip and cook for another 2 minutes or so.  This makes about 10 mini pancakes.

Serve with raspberries and drizzle with honey (optional, since the vanilla and cinnamon already provide sweetness). I used a toothpick to hold 4 pancakes together.
I paired this with carbonated mineral water with a splash of orange juice, but you could also use prosecco and orange juice for a more indulgent treat.  You only need a splash of juice for colour and a bit of taste to keep it as a refreshing accompaniment. This pairing gives you warmth, sweetness, lightness, crunch, a bit of saltiness, and a refreshing finish.

Perhaps a great romantic way to start your Valentine's Day next week,
Enjoy!

Steph Langdon, RD
something nutrishus counselling & coaching