Grain and Nut Pancakes

  

These are so moist, nutty, hearty, and tasty!  I've never had healthy whole wheat pancakes that actually taste really good, and these are amazingly good.  The eggs, milk, and applesauce makes them so moist.  And the vanilla and cinnamon give them a delicious flavor.  I love the nuts in them too, because they add a little crunch. They taste kind of similar to IHOP's Harvest Grain and Nut pancakes, but these are way better.  I served them with banana slices, maple syrup, and whipped cream. Mmmm..they were SO yummy - and nutritious! My whole family just loved them.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups old-fashioned oatmeal
• 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 cups buttermilk
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 cup applesauce
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup chopped nuts (optional)
• Garnish: banana slices, maple syrup, whipped cream, peanut butter, honey, etc.

Directions:

1. Grind the oats in a blender or food processor until fine. In a large bowl, combine ground oats, whole wheat flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
2. In another bowl, combine buttermilk, milk, oil, eggs, vanilla extract, and sugar with an electric mixer until smooth. Mix wet ingredients into dry with a few swift strokes. Stir in nuts, if desired, or sprinkle them on top of the pancake before flipping.
3. Lightly grease a skillet or griddle, and preheat it to medium heat. Ladle 1/3 cup of the batter onto the hot skillet; cook the pancakes for 2 to 4 minutes per side, or until brown. Garnish if desired.