The Edible Perspective: wheat germ pancakes + the weekend

I am excited to talk about the next ota.ingredient. It is another ingredient most people have not used or even heard of.

WHEAT GERM is a nutritional powerhouse. This flakey little food is packed with fiber, protein, potassium, iron, folic acid, and many other beneficial nutrients. The best part is a little goes a long way. 1oz will get you appx. 8g of protein and 4g of fiber!

What can you put wheat germ in?? pancakes – banana bread – cereal – oatmeal – smoothies – cookies – blueberry muffins – yogurt - etc.

If you add to oatmeal or a smoothie, just throw in a couple Tablespoons for a super health kick! You won’t even notice it’s there.

I really can’t go on enough about this amazing food. Here are a few more technical explanations if you’re interested: one + two

*Wheat germ should smell nutty, not musty. Once your bag is open, keep it in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 9 months [you will know if it has gone rancid, just make sure to sniff!].

I made these panackes the day after Chris’s birthday for Chris, Joe, + Kelsey. They were healthy and so so delicious [and easy!].

wheat germ – in the raw [time to play with the digi SLR camera!!]

I buy raw wheat germ, in bulk, from Natural Grocers. I get a lot of my ota.ingredients from this store. It is located in Colorado, which will work perfectly when we are living there!

pancake batter – recipe below

finished product – with easiest the homemade blueberry sauce ever

fluffy + filling + not dry or too “wheaty”

EASY Blueberry Sauce [way better than Aunt Jemima – check out this nasty ingredient list – nowhere near “real food”]

Heat a pan on medium heat. Add in appx. 1T unrefined coconut oil or butter. Add 1/2-1 pint of blueberries [can use other fruit like strawberries or raspberries too]. Stir and watch for about 5 minutes until nice and bubbly. Transfer to bowl or other container.

DONE!

Wheat Germ Pancakes [makes appx. 12 pancakes]

2 eggs, lightly beaten
1/4 cup unrefined melted coconut oil [can subst. canola or butter]
2 cups buttermilk [I used lowfat coconut milk for extra flavor and because my friend has a dairy allergy. It was the perfect substitute!]
2 teaspoons baking soda
1/2 cup wheat germ
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups whole wheat pastry flour [bulk bin area usually – if you can’t find mix 1/2 white 1/2 whole wheat – or full whole wheat]

Mix eggs, milk, and oil in medium bowl. Stir in dry ingredients until blended. Do not over mix.

Heat pan/skillet to medium+ heat. A 1/4c. works as a scooper and makes the perfect, easily flippable, pancake. Brown on both sides, turning once.

Top with fruit sauce. ENJOY!!!

……

And now a few photos from a wonderful weekend [and our last] in North Carolina…

Chris and I went to visit my grandparents up around Hendersonville, NC. We met them for lunch at a golf club. It was perfect timing for a visit because my dad was down to visit and play golf. It was so nice to see my grandparents and dad, but mom was very missed back in Ohio!!

My “made of steel” grandfather! He is going to be 92 this Halloween and still goes golfing 2-3x a week!

Grandma + me =)

dad.daughter.

Chris, me, Grandma, Grandpa, Dad [standing on the tee box]

delicious mushroom soup

dad’s muffaletta samich

After the quick lunch visit, we rushed back to Charlotte, to pack more boxes!!! [not fun]

Then we got up early Saturday morning to drive 5hrs East to the Crystal Coast for Heather’s wedding. [my awesome friend that used ota.bars in her hotel guest gift bags!!]

What a gorgeous wedding!! Heather looked stunning, wearing a dress that her mom made for her. It was our first time going to a beach wedding. The ceremony was perfect, the food was awesome and fun, and the reception was a blast. Thanks Heather + Penn, I wish you 2 the best!!

the.most.perfect.wedding.day.