Blog from Cheshire Franchise
Pancake Day might fill your child with excitement, but it could equally fill parents with dread.
If you’ve experienced Pancake Day before, you’ll know you have to rush home from work to whisk up some batter, try (and fail) to show off your flipping skills when the mixture is actually sticking to the pan, and avoid your little ones getting high from all the syrup and sugar.
There are so many things that can go wrong in the making and presenting of pancakes, from a lumpy batter to a stodgy, unappealing crepe, not to mention not knowing how, when or where to fit in dinner, and trying to get them to bed after all their sweet goodies.
The good news is that both parents and children can enjoy Pancake Day equally with our great recipes, as they not only taste delicious but are full of nutrients.
So mums and dads can at least be reassured their little ones are eating something healthy, even if they are stuck making batter well into the night.
1) Savoury pancakes
One of the biggest conundrums of Pancake Day is if you should have a main meal first. Some people have their crepes for pudding, while others just tuck into a big plate and skip dinner altogether.
This may all depend on what time you have and how big your child’s appetite is. However, if you do want to feed them something savoury before their dessert, you could always opt for a pancake with some alternative fillings.
Spinach and feta make a great combination, and when stuffed in pancakes and smothered in a tomato sauce, this dish is similar to a vegetarian cannelloni.
Salmon and cream cheese also go well together, so you could make your traditional crepe recipe and spread a thick layer of cream cheese, add some smoked salmon, and garnish with chives and pumpkin seeds.
2) Opt for different flours
You might have a great pancake recipe that you use every year, but one way you could make it healthier is by swapping the plain white flour for an alternative.
For instance, you could use wholemeal flour instead, which contains significantly more fibre than white flour, with 10.7g per 100g, as opposed to just 3g per 100g. It also has more B vitamins and minerals, helping to boost overall health.
Wholemeal has an extra benefit that it balanced blood sugar levels, helping you to stay fuller for longer, and preventing sugar spikes.
Another option is to use almond flour instead, which is not only gluten-free, but it is also full of protein, magnesium, healthy fats and fibre.
Using almond flour will ensure your child gets lots of nutrients from their treat, particularly if topped with healthy toppings too.
3) Protein pancakes
Protein has been the buzzword over the last few years when it comes to nutrition, and it isn’t just adults who should be getting more protein but youngsters too.
This is because protein is essential for children’s growth and their brain development; it protects them by boosting their immune system; and provides them with energy.
You could add protein to your pancake by using almond or oat flour instead of plain flour, and drizzling a mixture of peanut butter, almond butter and maple syrup over the top.
4) Blueberry pancakes
Berries and pancakes go together effortlessly well, so this blueberry pancake recipe is a great way to get some more fruit into your child.
Blueberries are high in antioxidants, which help the body fight illnesses, and they are also known to improve cognitive function, which is necessary for all that school work!
They are also high in fibre, aiding digestion, controlling sugar spikes, and feeding good gut bacteria.
This recipe also contains Greek yoghurt to make them soft and fluffy, which adds some protein to the dish, as well as cinnamon, also known for its anti-inflammatory benefits.
5) Simple banana pancakes
One of the simplest and tastiest ways to eat pancakes is by making them with bananas.
There are lots of banana pancake recipes out there, but this one also contains oat milk and oats for slow-releasing energy, which means it is a good option for Pancake Day breakfast!
The bananas add a natural sweetness to the dish, so children won’t be tempted to smother their crepes in sugar, golden syrup or honey. Instead, they could dollop some yoghurt on the top or some extra fruit, making the pudding even more nutritious.
One of the best parts of Pancake Day is making the pancakes yourself, so encourage your children to get whisking, mixing and flipping this Shrove Tuesday.
They might also want to hone their skills at our children’s cooking classes in Cheshire and Greater Manchester. For more information, get in touch today.