Paleo Pumpkin Protein Pancakes

Gosh I love being a mom.  Every time I look at my sweet baby boy my heart swells with pride, he is such a fun baby and he makes me smile so much.  Sometimes we look into the mirror together and I don't even care that I look like a mess and my hair is all frizzy and crazy and I haven't had time to shower yet.  His smile is so big it doesn't matter what mama looks like...not to say that I don't shower and I don't take care of myself because I do, but there are some days that we stay home and play, take long naps, eat, sing songs, and laugh and cry all day.  He's teething and it's crazy how fast the days can go by and somehow it's like we haven't really accomplished that much, but I know we're accomplishing a lot because we are raising a little baby boy and that is a huge accomplishment.

It's funny and kind of annoying that sometimes you're the only thing that can make your baby stop crying and make him happy, but then it's oddly satisfying that you are the only one that can make him stop crying and make him happy.  It's just an awesome bond to have with this kiddo, and I'm looking forward to raising him -  it's going to be a fun adventure.  

Growing up I always knew I wanted to be a mom.  My mom has a picture of me when I was probably about two or three sitting in my little kid rocking chair trying to nurse my little dolls.  I've always had a maternal instinct and just always want to have my own little family.  I never really got too far in my career, mostly because I never wanted one.  Call me old fashioned, but being a stay at home Mom has always been my end goal.  I'm blessed to have an awesome partner in this parenting adventure that makes that possible for me.  He is such an amazing Papa to our little buddy.  

Recently I had a dear friend from college come down and visit.  She said it was her vacation,  and I responded that it was my vacation too.  It was a real treat to have her here - she is such a sweet soul and so good with babies. Anyway she is on a real strict diet,  kind of like the whole 30/ Paleo.  Every morning she woke up and made us an amazing breakfast.  She is into high protein pancakes made with banana and egg, and they are amazing.   Then on another day she tried a new recipe of paleo pumpkin pancakes. Yummy.  Pumpkin, egg and some spices - it is easy and delicious!  It has no dairy or gluten, and it's filling and awesome.  We had leftovers and they were great reheated in the toaster the next day.  They are also portable too if you need take them on the go - you could spread some almond butter on them and make a sandwich with him.  They are really good and these are definitely going into my breakfast rotation from here on out.

Was that enough alliteration in the title of this recipe for you?  I know it isn't Fall yet, but I decided to jump the gun on this one : )

Paleo Pumpkin Protein Pancakes
Makes 8 pancakes, serves 2 adults
Adapted from the Practical Paleo cookbook

4 eggs
1/2 cup canned pumpkin
1 tsp vanilla
2 TBS maple syrup (optional)
1 1/2 tsp ground flax seed*
1 tsp. pumpkin pie spice
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 tsp. baking soda
1/8 tsp. salt
2 TBS melted coconut oil or butter
Chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

Whisk eggs, pumpkin, vanilla and maple syrup together.  Add the spices, salt, baking soda and whisk.  Add melted oil or butter and whisk until smooth and combined.

Grease skillet with coconut oil or butter.  Spoon batter in 1/4 cup increments onto pan, sprinkle with chopped nuts if using) once bubbles form on the surface flip to finish cooking.  Serve with maple syrup and coconut butter or butter : )

*This is a change to the original recipe I posted - I found the ground flax seed made the pancakes thicker, less spongy, and more substantial feeling.