GUILT-FREE PANCAKES

Serves: 10

Serving size: 3 small pancakes

Calories per serving: 141

You have probably eliminated pancakes from your diet in your struggle to lose weight. The good news is that you do not have to give up pancakes when you eat the Spice Diet way. This recipe for guilt-free pancakes will satisfy your cravings for the sweet treat.

The banana in this recipe not only acts as a great binder for your pancakes but also is a perfect substitute for added sweeteners. Another tip is to use pure vanilla extract when baking. My grandma always added a little more vanilla than what a recipe called for, and you should, too. You will thank me for this tip.

1½ cups almond flour or almond meal

¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg

1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder (add another tablespoon if you like the dark chocolate flavor)

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 ripe banana, mashed

1 cup unsweetened almond milk

1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract, plus more if needed (you should be able to taste the vanilla in balance with the other flavors)

3 large eggs

Nonstick cooking spray

In a large bowl, combine the almond flour, nutmeg, cocoa powder, and baking powder.

In a separate medium bowl, mash the banana until smooth. Add the almond milk, vanilla, and eggs. Whisk until combined.

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and whisk to combine.

Spray a griddle or skillet with nonstick cooking spray and heat over medium-high heat. Ladle batter onto the griddle in circles. Cook on one side for 3 to 4 minutes, or until golden with crispy edges. Flip the pancakes and cook the other side for 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer to a plate and repeat until you have used all the batter.