Buon Giorno!

Happy Pancake Sunday my lovelies!

A couple of weeks ago, after a chilly morning at the farmer’s market, I returned home with a perfectly dunkable cookie. It only made since that I got my first coffee craving in months so I decided to go with it and indulge in a warm steamy mug. Without any thought to the fact that it had been nearly TWO MONTHS since my last date with dear ol’ Joe, I brewed up a cup and got my dunk on!

The flavor was just how (if not better than) I remembered it…smooth yet strong, rich and nutty. Somehow, I managed to savor that single mug far longer than any from my past and when it finally came time for that last sip, I’ll admit, it was bittersweet.

Less than an hour later…

I felt like I was having a heart attack.

Nervousness…heart palpitations…cold sweats?

What? No! How could this be?! Before I started having my morning ACV cocktail, my relationship with coffee was practically religious…each and every day…at the very least, a single cup was enjoyed. How could I deny all those mornings where I was gently awakened by the robust flavor running over my palate, instantly bringing a smile to my face as it warmed me from the inside out…

What could this possibly mean for the upcoming winter?!

So I got to thinking…there had to be a way…a way to satisfy my taste for coffee without leaving me wanting to peel my face off. With Sunday right around the corner, obviously you know where most of my thoughts were pointed…so I guess this really should come as no surprise.

Ladies and gentlemen, allow me to introduce to you…

Tiramisu PROTEIN Pancakes!

Light and fluffy protein pancakes FULL of coffee flavor, layered with a sweet “cream” filling and dusted with just the right amount of cocoa powder.

Tiramisu Protein Pancakes By: Heather @ Kiss My Broccoli Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 10-12 minutes Keywords: blender fry breakfast high protein no sugar added low-sodium protein powder oats coffee bananas Pancake Sunday Italian winter summer spring fall Ingredients (Serves 1) For the Pancakes 1/3 cup rolled oats

1 scoop (30g) vanilla protein powder*

2 Tablespoons ground flax seed

1/2 teaspoon sodium-free baking powder

1 egg white

1/4 cup strong brewed cold coffee

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/4 teaspoon coffee extract For the Sweet “Cream” Filling 1/3 cup low-fat no-salt-added cottage cheese

1/2 large banana

1/8 teaspoon coffee extract

unsweetened cocoa powder for dusting Instructions For the Pancakes 1. Heat a non-stick skillet or pancake griddle over medium heat.

2. In a small food processor or blender, ground oats into flour.

3. Combine oat flour, protein powder, ground flax, and baking powder in a bowl.

4. In a separate bowl, whisk egg white until frothy.

5. Add coffee and extracts to egg white, stir and add to dry ingredients.

6. Stir until flour is incorporated.

7. Let batter sit at least 5 minutes before continuing.

8. Spoon batter onto skillet surface, forming 3 medium-sized pancakes.

9.Cook 5-6 minutes per side, or until golden brown with crisp edges. For the Sweet “Cream” Filling Combine cottage cheese, banana, and extract in a small food processor or blender and blend until smooth. *Originally, I tried the recipe with chocolate protein powder, but unfortunately the chocolate covered up the taste of the coffee…which of course was NOT my point! Powered by Recipage

The banana has only the faintest taste beneath the flavor of the coffee extract and lent the perfect amount of sweetness to the creamy layer between the cakes.

Dare I say, it was bordering richness?

Nutrition stats on the left are for the pancakes only…the right includes the

sweet “cream” filling which you really wouldn’t want to go without:

I’m sorry, does that say 46g of protein? Why, yes…yes it does! 😀

Everything you love about classic Tiramisu…

Well, except for all the saturated fat, simplex carbohydrates, and oh yeah…an obscene amount of sugar!

But the best part?

I got my coffee “fix” without feeling like I was coming out of my skin! 😀

Do you like the flavor of coffee?

Are you sensitive to the effects of caffeine?