Pretty in Pink Pancakes with Fresh Berry Sauce

Pretty in Pink Pancakes with Fresh Berry Sauce. With a name like that, you know it's more about the sauce than the pancakes. And trust me, that's a good thing.

Last time I made pancakes, they were topped with meaty pancetta, rich creme fraiche, and pools of maple syrup.



Today's pancakes in contrast are as light as a spring breeze and were inspired by luscious fresh farmers' market raspberries. Pillowy soft pancakes are dressed with a sweet, vanilla-laced raspberry-strawberry sauce and sliced almonds. Perfect for this weekend's brunch.

And since these pancakes are low on calories but high on taste, I'm sending them to Ivy and Ben for their Fat Chefs of Skinny Gourmets? event running through June 30th. Yes, you can actually eat pancakes and still be a skinny gourmet.

Since I just saw Susan's event announcement for Pancakes on Parade, I'm sending my pretty ones her way. You have until July 6th to share any type of pancake you would like with Susan, the always well seasoned cook.

Pretty in Pink Pancakes with Fresh Berry Sauce
Makes 8-10 (3-inch) round pancakes.
Print recipe only here.

Pancakes:
1 cup Heart Healthy Bisquick
2/3 cup skim milk
1 egg white

Berry Sauce:
1 tablespoon Smart Balance butter substitute
1/2 cup strawberries, sliced
1/2 cup fresh raspberries
2 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Garnish:
Fresh raspberries and strawberries
Sliced almonds

In a medium bowl, add Bisquick, milk, and egg white, and mix well until smooth. Let batter rest for about 10 minutes.

Meanwhile, to make the sauce, melt Smart Balance in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add remaining ingredients, and cook over medium -low heat until slightly thick and bubbly, about 7-8 minutes. If you'd like a thinner sauce, simple add a little bit of water. Remove from heat and let cool.

To make the pancakes, place a thin layer of canola oil on a pancake griddle over medium heat. Place a drop of batter on the skillet to make sure it's hot enough. Drop batter by rounded tablespoonfuls (about 1 heaping). Cook pancakes until golden brown and cooked through, about 2 minutes per side.

Transfer to a warm plate until ready to serve. Top with berry sauce, sliced almonds, and fresh berries. Serve immediately.


You might also like these light breakfasts:

Creamsicle Power Smoothie





Breakfast Egg Sandwich with Avocado and Chipotle-Mayo





Italian Asparagus, Mushroom, and Parmesan Frittata (use egg whites or egg substitutes for a low-cholesterol, low-fat option)




Date, Fennel, and Pistachio Scones (Heart Healthy & Low Fat!)





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Food Blogga Exposed! Savory Chestnut Pancakes with Pancetta and Creme Fraiche

I can't make pancakes. Nope. Just can't. Other than my fleeting victory with Nigella's ricotta hotcakes last August (which technically aren't pancakes), I haven't had much pancake success.

I've tried recipes from Gourmet, Bon Appetit, Cooking Light, and even Martha. They always come too heavy or too dry or too flat.

So when Jeff and I felt like having pancakes on Sunday, I went where no respectful food blogger goes -- to the Bisquick section of the supermarket baking aisle.

There I furtively placed a box of Heart Smart Bisquick in my cart, proceeded to the checkout, and almost made it to my car, when I was accosted by the Food Blogging paparazzi. Despite my protestations, their persistence was formidable.


I was caught red (box) handed. I confessed on the spot. I needed the Bisquick.

Let me tell you. It was worth it. I made savory, holiday inspired chestnut pancakes. They were the fluffiest, tastiest pancakes I had made in quite a while.


The interplay between the salty pancetta, the sugary maple syrup, and the sour creme fraiche is remarkably satisfying. Plus these savory pancakes balance the sweet gnocchi I made a few weeks ago.

Chestnut Pancakes with Pancetta, Creme Fraiche, and Cinnamon Maple Syrup
My inspiration for this recipe came from an original in Bon Appetit.
Makes 10 (3-4-inch) round pancakes.


Print recipe only here.

1/4 cup coarsely chopped toasted pecans
1/3 pound pancetta, cut into 1/2-inch-dices
1 cup Heart Smart Bisquick
scant 3/4 cup milk (I used skim)
1 egg white
1/4 cup coarsely chopped bottled chestnuts
1/4 cup pure maple syrup, warmed
1/8 tsp ground cinnamon
Creme fraiche

To toast the pecans, place in a small, dry skillet over medium heat for about 1 minute, or until golden brown. Shake the pan handle gently to ensure even toasting. Remove from heat.

Cook pancetta in a medium skillet over medium heat until brown and crisp; transfer to a paper-towel lined plate.

In a medium bowl, add Bisquick, milk, and egg white, and mix well until smooth. Gently stir in chestnuts. Let batter rest for about 10 minutes.

Meanwhile, add maple syrup and cinnamon to a small pan and warm over a low simmer.

To make the pancakes, place a thin layer of canola oil on a pancake griddle over medium heat. Place a drop of batter on the skillet to make sure it's hot enough. Drop batter by rounded tablespoonfuls (about 1 heaping). Cook pancakes until golden brown and cooked through, about 2-3 minutes per side.

Transfer to a warm plate until ready to serve. Top with créme fraîche, pancetta, and cinnamon maple syrup.


You might also like my:
Potato, Pepper, and Onion Frittata
Heuvos Rancheros with Salsa Verde
Persimmon and Date Bread
Date, Fennel, and Pistachio Scones


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