Gingerbread Pumpkin Pancake

in All Posts

Last night, the Christmas tree stand almost got the best of me.  Almost.

IMG_4947

Even though we’ve had that stand for five years, I can never figure out exactly how to put it together – it’s pretty temperamental.  And we spent another 20 minutes trying to to fit the tree into the stand; we had to shave it down with a bread knife. 

 

But – SUCCESS!

IMG_4953

We went for a blue theme this year – pretty, yes?

 

This week is going to be very, very busy.  I’ve written a few times about how pregnancy is doing a number on my sleep (I think it’s due to the hormones) so I’m going to make a serious effort to eat well this week.  Lots of veggies.  Less potato chips.  I’m hoping it will make a difference with how well I sleep – in the very least, it’s worth an honest try!

IMG_4958

Breakfast was a yummy.  It’s a twist on my classic Sweet Potato Pancake.  Instead of sweet potato, I used pumpkin puree and mixed in gingerbread spices.

 IMG_4962

Gingerbread Pumpkin Pancake

 

Ingredients:

  • 3/4 cup oatmeal
  • 2 tablespoons almond milk
  • 1/4 cup pumpkin puree
  • 1 egg
  • 3 heavy pinches of cinnamon
  • 2 heavy pinches of ginger
  • 1 heavy pinch of ground cloves
  • 1/2 tablespoon molasses
  • 1 tablespoon protein powder
  • Topping:  banana, almonds, and a drizzle of maple syrup

Directions:

  • Heat and grease griddle.
  • Mix first nine ingredients.
  • Pour onto griddle and form pancake shape.
  • On Medium Low, cook slowly and then flip (use a plate if necessary) when golden brown.  It will take a while to fully cook!
  • Cook other side.
  • Plate, top with fruit, nuts, and syrup, and enjoy!

IMG_4959

‘Twas a good one!

 

What kind of goals do you have for the week?  I’ve got a lot of small projects to wrap up.  And I want to stick with balanced eating and the December Plank Challenge!

{ 49 comments }

 

  • Khushboo December 5, 2011, 9:56 am

    Great goal- I’m sure you will reap the benefits! One of my goals this week is to fit in 2 strength training sessions- I dread them but always am so glad after doing them!

  • Emily December 5, 2011, 9:56 am

    Your tree is very pretty!

  • Alett December 5, 2011, 9:57 am

    omg! I’m the first!

    That looks like a super cool recipe – very filling too 🙂

    I love your christmas tree – Christmas trees make me so happy. We haven’t had one since I moved in with hubby (when we were dating) as we have limited space. However, this past friday Hugh surprised me with a mini tree which has now found a home on top of our dog crate. I was so happy I nearly cried!

    Wishing you a happy plankful week!
    xo

  • Alett December 5, 2011, 9:58 am

    …oh disregard my “I’m the first” comment…LOL apparently I’m too wordy…

    🙂

  • Angela @ Eat Spin Run Repeat December 5, 2011, 9:58 am

    Looks delicious Caitlin! And I love the blue theme on the tree. Ours is quite traditional with red and gold balls and white lights, but I love the non-traditional, more modern looks too. As for goals, I posted mine for the month earlier this morning. One includes doing a random act of kindness every day this month, and so far I’m off to a strong start!

  • Casey @ Pocket Full of Sunshine December 5, 2011, 10:04 am

    That looks very yummy and holiday-like. 🙂 I’m going to apply for at least 4 jobs this week—that’s my goal!

  • kathleen @ the daily crumb December 5, 2011, 10:09 am

    yum, this looks delicious!! i’ve been toying with the idea of subbing butternut squash for SP/pumpkin in a pancake. i have a can that needs to be used up…

    your tree is super cute 🙂

  • Emily G. @ from my messy desk December 5, 2011, 10:13 am

    ooo!! That pumpkin pancake looks good! A few weeks ago I went to IHop and ordered their pumpkin pancakes – I have been craving more ever since!

  • faith December 5, 2011, 10:16 am

    At the very least good eats will translate to better energy and an immune system that can cope with lack of sleep! Keep it up!

  • Kate (What Kate is Cooking) December 5, 2011, 10:18 am

    I think I have the same tree stand, and it’s a total pain in the ass! Maybe it’s just me, but it just doesn’t seem to ever want to work, haha.

  • Eric December 5, 2011, 10:19 am

    Whenever I’m feeling lethargic, more veggies is usually the answer. Great idea with the pumpkin pancake!

  • briana December 5, 2011, 10:26 am

    I’m in graduate school, and this is finals week! So, my major goal is to stay focused on my two final papers–one due tomorrow and one on Friday. I also have some small outside projects I need to stay on top of as well.

    But I think you’re food-related goal would help me as well! I always consider myself a pretty healthy eater, so sometimes I have to remind myself to make a conscious effort to be getting my veggies!

    Final goal: get to bed at a decent hour! I don’t know why this is such a hard one, but it’s so critical to being successful at the first two goals!

  • Allison December 5, 2011, 10:26 am

    Gingerbread + pumpkin… Couldn’t think of a more perfect combo for the holiday season! I just used up the last of my pumpkin supply making pumpkin soup, guess I need to make a trip to the store so I can make one of these ‘cakes for myself!

  • Corrie Anne December 5, 2011, 10:39 am

    Yay for Christmas trees!! This week I need to study for a test I’m taking to get my teaching certification switched to Colorado. 8th grade math! Yuck. Lol.

  • HRCK @ http://hrcktheherald.wordpress.com December 5, 2011, 10:47 am

    My goal is to sleep and hydrate more than last week. Pretty tree, too! Love themed ones.

  • Corrie @ Blurb Column December 5, 2011, 10:54 am

    Your Christmas tree stand story is precisely why we finally broke down and bought a faux tree last year. I fought the faux tree for years, but I tell you what, after taking approximately five minutes to have my pre-lit faux tree go from storage bag to upright, straight, pretty and lit…I’m sold!

    My goals for the week: get back on track with food prep/planning, exercise, and finish my finals!

  • Lindsey December 5, 2011, 11:04 am

    I ate way too much sweets this weekend, so this week is about getting back on track before all the holiday parties start, oh and drink lots of water!

  • HTPDad December 5, 2011, 11:09 am

    if you’d hang the tree from the ceiling, as Santa intends, no problems. Bwahahaha – Christmas 2013 keeping BabyHTP outta there.

  • Jamie @ Don't Forget the Cinnamon December 5, 2011, 11:09 am

    YUM! In the spirit of the holidays, I’ve been eating gingerbread everything lately!

    Good luck with sleeping this week–I hope the healthy eats help!!
    It’s crazy what a number hormones can do on your sleep schedule. I started the pill recently and was an insomniac the first week and a half!

  • Cindy Robinson December 5, 2011, 11:09 am

    I swear that style of treestand has been around for so long. I grew up with that one in our living room, and now my huband and I have the same one. We just keep it assembled and store it that way! Merry Christmas Caitlin and family!

  • Chelsea December 5, 2011, 11:10 am

    We went blue this year with our tree as well =D Such a pretty color.

  • Sharon December 5, 2011, 11:12 am

    We have an ultimate tree stand, which works great. In fact, every year when we take down the tree I put the stand on the deck so the water can dry out and I forget it and leave it out there all year long. So the following year I buy a new one (can’t have a dirty tree stand in the house)so we currently have a collection of 3 tree stands. You can have one if you’d like. 🙂

  • Rebecca @ Naturally Healthy and Gorgeous December 5, 2011, 11:15 am

    I wish I didn’t eat breakfast already, that looks so good! Dinner?

  • Sarah December 5, 2011, 11:16 am

    Is a melatonin supplement ok during pregnancy? I ask because it’s been my pinch hitter lately when I’m feeling off and just really need one good night’s sleep.

    • CaitlinHTP December 5, 2011, 8:06 pm

      @Sarah: Hmm not sure. I am wary of taking pretty much anything besides prenatals right now.

  • Amanda December 5, 2011, 11:27 am

    My goal for the week is also to eat more fruits and veggies. It’s so tempting to reach for a cookie this time of the year, but I need to do a better job balancing the sweets with foods that are going to make me feel good, in addition to tasting good.

  • Bethany @Bethany's Befuddled Brain December 5, 2011, 11:37 am

    I haven’t even started decorating the tree yet so my goal is getting that done. I told my mom I would decorate it this year since she really doesn’t have all that much time with teaching. However, I’ve been so busy too with studying for my college finals and going to the beach for Thanksgiving. But I’m going to decorate it tomorrow after my last exam so it’ll be decorated before Christmas…hopefully.

  • Amber @ Busy, Bold, Blessed December 5, 2011, 11:37 am

    We got our tree yesterday and we are going to decorate it tomorrow. I’m super excited!

    My goals for the week are to get to the gym at least twice and do a push-up + abs workout at home on a day I don’t go.

  • Sarena (The Non-Dairy Queen) December 5, 2011, 12:21 pm

    Oh yum! That’s definitely the way to start Monday off! I want to finish the next section of my nutrition studies. I really want to finish my certification by the end of the year. Good luck this week!

  • Annette @ EnjoyYourHealthyLife December 5, 2011, 12:26 pm

    I love a good pancake–and this one totally looks it!

    I have goals to lift more on some tracks while teaching BodyPUMP, learn 5 more songs to teach in Zumba, and have a killer end to the year 🙂

  • Angela @ MyPinkyToes December 5, 2011, 12:32 pm

    I need to make eating better and more balanced a goal of mine every week! But I’ve already started out great with a good breakfast! Score.
    You Christmas tree is just lovely! I love the blue!

  • Hillary December 5, 2011, 12:39 pm

    Drooling over that pancake. Big time.

    Goal this week: Don’t have a nervous break down before grad school finals. We’ll see how that goes.

  • Amber K December 5, 2011, 1:23 pm

    The pancake looks tasty. I haven’t made any specific goals for the week. Just gotta make sure I continue to get rest and hopefully shift my sleep schedule a bit earlier so I can make my doctor appointments this week.

  • Katie @ Peace Love and Oats December 5, 2011, 2:36 pm

    My goal this week is to survive! Long story… But that pancake looks so good!!!

  • Laura @ She Eats Well December 5, 2011, 3:05 pm

    Mmmm. That pancake looks SO yummy. I am on a serious gingerbread kick right now and I just.cannot.get.enough. Thanks for the recipe inspiration!

  • Julia December 5, 2011, 4:17 pm

    Know that next time may not be like this with you sleeping poorly. When I was pregnant with my first sleep was no issue till month 8. Now with pregnancy #2 I’m not sleeping either. Who knows.

  • TeenyLittleSuperChef December 5, 2011, 5:38 pm

    I like the blue theme of the Xmas tree. Perhaps more blue may be in your future, if you know what I mean (if you don’t, I’m insinuating that you may be having a little boy…) Your pancake looks totally delicious. I love adding sweet potato and pumpkin to my hotcakes. It makes them have such a pretty color. Not to mention taste heavenly.

  • Karlee @olivewineandfood December 5, 2011, 6:04 pm

    aww our tree is blue too! and gold. and i just made a blue and silver wreath!

  • Chelsea @ One Healthy Munchkin December 5, 2011, 6:06 pm

    My roommate and I have a Christmas tree stand just like that one and it took us ages to figure it out too! Why do they have to make it so hard for us? 😛

    My goals for the week are to get more calcium in my diet and to work on my time management so that I can maximize my study time.

  • Karlee @olivewineandfood December 5, 2011, 6:07 pm

    i’ve never heard of these! i also have trouble with headphones falling off my head and it drives me so crazy that i usually work out with no music : /. i would love to try these!

  • Karlee @olivewineandfood December 5, 2011, 6:07 pm

    oh shoot… : )

  • Jolene (Homespun Heritage) December 5, 2011, 6:35 pm

    I am having the hardest time keeping my 1 yr old away from the screen right now…she saw the bananas and well, went bananas! HA!

    Pregnancy did a number on my sleep too. It was SOOO bad that I resorted to trying sleeping pills as prescribed by my doctor…heh, I was up in 2 hours! They did nothing so, of course, I never took them again. It didn’t resolve until I had my little squirt. Hormones are just crazy.

  • Jolene (www.everydayfoodie.ca) December 5, 2011, 7:20 pm

    Goals for the week:

    – Write some more of my thesis
    – Wrap a bunch of presents
    – Bake 3-5 things
    – Make a bunch of food for a Christmas party I am throwing on Saturday

  • Dominique December 5, 2011, 11:57 pm

    I love your tree! The fiance and I have had our first tree up for a couple weeks now but haven’t had the chance to decorate it yet. I want us to decorate it together since it’s our first tree so I’m waiting until he’s done with school for this term. We’re also going with a blue theme (two different shades of blue with silver and white). I can’t wait until the tree is up. It doesn’t feel like Christmas without it.

  • Jen December 6, 2011, 2:02 am

    Aww…that is lovely! I wish I had a tree up (or, the space to put one up…haha). 🙂

  • yolie @ practising wellness December 6, 2011, 3:36 am

    My goal is to practice contentment and cultivate positivity all week! <3 Your breakfast looks divine! xyx

  • Kathleen December 6, 2011, 2:13 pm

    I love pancakes! Can’t wait to try it.. looks so yummy 🙂 Pumpkin + Cinnamon = one of my favorites !

    Thank you for sharing! Hope the husband will read it too 😉 Pancakes are even better when cooked by someone else!

  • Julia H. @ The Petite Spiel December 6, 2011, 5:41 pm

    Ahaha, seeing your tree stand just reminded me of how my suitemates and I DON’T have one. We’re planning on getting a tree for our suite’s lounge in our dorm (hehe, sneaky sneaky), but discovered we don’t have a stand, so the plan is to kind of lean the tree against the wall and put the trunk in a bucket of water. Oh gosh. This is going to be interesting.

  • Sarah December 11, 2011, 10:04 am

    loooks awesomeee! Breakfast here i come! 🙂

Healthy Tipping Point