Celebrate Those Who Served with Patriotic Pancakes

Did you know that on average, Americans will consume over 70 million hot dogs this Memorial Day? Give the grill a break and whip up a batch of these patriotic pancakes from our friends at Foodstirs. They are free of food dye but full of flavor!

Memorial Day is often associated with the start of summer and all-American cookouts. While we love both of these things, we also believe it’s important to remember the real reason why we have Memorial Day: to remember and honor those who have died while in service of the United States of America.

To show our thanks to those who gave their lives for our freedom — and to those who continue to serve our country — we created Red, White, and Blue Pancakes. Not only are these pancakes packed with American pride, but they also might get your little ones to try a new food: beets. Aside from bringing a natural red tint to this batter, beets are also a good source of vitamin C, potassium, and fiber.

If you don’t love beets, don’t discount this recipe. The pancake that results doesn’t have an overwhelming beet flavor; instead, the beet gives the pancake a pleasant, earthy taste. Top with your favorite fresh fruit and enjoy!

Kids can help:

• Measure dry and wet ingredients.
• Decorate pancakes with fruit and whipped cream.

Red, White, and Blue Pancakes

Serves: 10 pancakes

Ingredients

• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 1¼ cup whole wheat flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 beet, cooked, peeled, pureed
• lemon zest from 1 large lemon
• 1¼ cup milk or soy milk
• ⅓ cup plain yogurt
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 3 tablespoons applesauce
• 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
• raspberries, blueberries, whipped cream for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. In a medium size bowl, sift together, ½ cup all-purpose flour, 1¼ cup whole wheat flour, 1 tablespoon baking powder, and ½ teaspoon salt.
2. In a separate large bowl, whisk together pureed beet, lemon zest, 1¼ milk, ⅓ cup yogurt, ¼ cup brown sugar, 1 egg, 3 tablespoons applesauce, and 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract.
3. Slowly stir in the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until combined. Do not over stir.
4. Pour about ¼ cup batter onto a greased skillet over medium-high heat.
5. Cook until bubbles appear on the surface. Flip and cook remaining side.
6. Serve with raspberries, blueberries, and whipped cream.

~Recipes and photos by Katie Romey, MS, RD, Foodstirs Chef, Text by Jessica Schuster

How are you celebrating this Memorial Day? Share with us in the comments section below!