Healthy Whole Wheat Banana Chocolate Chip Pancakes

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons melted non-hydrogenated margarine, like Becel Original (or if you really want you can sub for low-fat plain yogurt, but you compromise taste and texture and)
• 6 tablespoons mashed overripe bananas (if using a frozen banana, thaw it and drain the melted water)
• 1 1/4 cups skim milk
• 3/4 teaspoon vanilla
• 1/2 teaspoon banana extract
• 1 1/2 tablespoons granulated sugar (more for a sweeter pancake)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup whole wheat flour
• 1/2 cup oat bran
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 2-3 tablespoons milk chocolate chips (miniature kind)
• 3-4 tablespoons finely chopped bananas

EGG SUBSTITUTE

• 2 tablespoons flax seeds (prepared as said in step one)
• 5-6 tablespoons water (prepared as said in step one)

Directions

1. 1

   Combine the flax seed and water in a small saucepan and leave to simmer until it is thick and has the same consistency as an egg. Remove from heat and refrigerate while preparing the other ingredients to cool it down.

2. 2

   Combine the dry ingredients (salt to cinnamon) in a small bowl.

3. 3

   Combine banana, vanilla, banana extract, sugar, yogurt, margarine, and milk in a large bowl, and stir in chilled flax+water egg substitute.

4. 4

   Mix in the dry flour mixture with the wet mixture until smooth, folding in chocolate chips and chopped banana. Don't over mix.

5. 5

   LET BATTER SIT for 5 minutes (no more), so that the oat bran can absorb. Thin out with a splash of skim milk if necessary.

6. 6

   Pour batter onto greased griddle (at about 350°F) and let sit until batter starts to bubble. Flip and brown. Top with margarine, your favorite preserves, and a drizzle of syrup, or more banana.

7. 7

   ENJOY! (Note: these are best consumed immediately for they fall slightly after they have cooled, but if I have leftovers I do one of two things: If I am planning to eat leftovers within 2 days, I put leftovers in the fridge and stick them in in the toaster the next day. If not, I freeze them by cooling the extras on a cooling rack, then once completely cool, I wrap in foil and pop in freezer. Reheat by microwaving and then toasting.).