Flourless Blueberry Chia Pancakes

Who would have though you could create a pancake by combining a banana and an egg???  I don't know who came up with the idea, but I'm glad they did. :)  The fun part is deciding what "yummies" you want to add in.

To begin you need 1 very ripe banana and 1 whole egg.  Whip the egg and mash the banana with a fork and stir together.

I added 1 Tbsp. chia seeds and a scant 1/8 tsp. cinnamon.  Chia seeds are a great source of nutrition.  They are packed with protein, fiber and Omega-3's.

I also added about 3/4 C. fresh blueberries.  I've made mixed berry ones by adding diced strawberries in with the blueberries.  They were really good, too.

Heat a small amount of oil on a griddle and divide the batter into 3 small pancakes.  If you opt for 2 larger ones, know that it is hard to flip them without them falling apart.  I also flatten the batter out just a little with my fork.  If they are too thick the centers won't set before the outside gets too brown.  Cook on low to medium low until center is soft set then flip and cook a couple more minutes until that side is browned and center is to your liking.

 I like to eat them plain, but you can top with whatever you like.   This is a great and healthy way to use up those over ripe bananas and it's much quicker than making banana bread.  There are many other things you can add to come up with your favorite variation...coconut, flax or hemp seed, different spices, etc.  For a sweet snack you could toss in some dark chocolate chips...yum! 

Philly Cheese Chicken Sub & Kitchen Update ...

If you are like me you are wondering where the past few months went?!?!  I can't believe Christmas has come and gone and it's now 2014!  With life being so hectic blogging was put on the back burner for a bit, BUT I did try to snap a few pics along the way for future posts. :)  This is one of them and it's one of my favorites.

Loaded with tender chicken, veggies and melted cheese...Yum!  If you are vegetarian simply leave out the chicken for a yummy veggie sub.

Heat a small amount of oil in skillet.  Add veggies... I added orange bell pepper strips, red onion and minced garlic.  Normally I add sliced mushrooms, but I was out.  Saute until crisp tender.

To season I add a good sprinkling of McCormick's Salad Supreme seasoning.  It's a great blend of Romano cheese, sesame and poppy seeds and spices.

Add cooked boneless skinless chicken breast chunks.  (You can cook your own or use precooked frozen ones if you're in a hurry.  When cooking my own I do add a little salt and garlic powder to the cooking water).  Cook until chicken is lightly browned and veggies are tender to your liking.

In an oven proof dish add filling to your favorite sandwich bun and top with additional fresh veggies such as spinach and tomatoes.  Note...I like to toast my bun before adding veggies.  I simply add a drizzle of oil to a small skillet and brown bun face down.  

Top with sliced Swiss cheese.  I added two slices, but one would have been sufficient. ;)

Place under broiler for 4 or 5 minutes until cheese is melted.  Watch closely as it doesn't take long.  I don't add any other dressing to mine, but you could top with a drizzle of salad dressing such as ranch, if you like.

In case you are wondering... we have completed the majority of our kitchen project.  The only big thing left to do is a new florescent light, but we've not had time to go pick one out.  I also have a small bit of touch up painting to do.  Then the fun part...decorating.  Since I love to craft I really enjoy making my own decor.  Here's what I've done so far.  I will get overall pictures taken soon and post with details.

I made this fun picture to hang above my refrigerator.  The space is far enough back from one's eye that it needed one big, bold piece of decor rather than multiple small items.  The frame was an old brown frame that I found at the thrift store.  I gave it a nice coat of goldenrod yellow paint, aged it with some gel stain and instantly fell in love with it! :)  I am terrible about taking before pics or you could see the transformation. :(  Then I added burlap for the backing and the "Eat" was ready made from Hobby Lobby. 

This little window turned message center is my pride and joy! ;)  This little wall and window acts as a divider between the family room and kitchen.  Previously it held a glass window that allowed light to pass through and a view of the patio door.  I didn't want to close it in, but the glass had to go.  It was very dated with some ugly gold butterflies across the top and bottom.  In no way did it match the kitchen anymore.  Without much thought we decided to take... OK...knock it out! ;)  This was on a whim and I didn't even think to grab the camera! :( 

 Now...I had no idea what I was going to do with the space, but once the glass came out I knew I had to think of something...Yikes!  It was way too open and out of place!  Then it hit me...I had a roll of old chicken wire just waiting to be repurposed.  I thought of those cute picture frames I'd seen on Pinterest.  You know the ones with chicken wire attached to the back of the frame and those cute little clothes pins for pictures and notes?  I had the perfect spot to create my own little chicken wire message center and I was so excited! :)

The rooster hanging at the top of the window is the perfect accent.  I would like to find a little sign or saying to hang from him and maybe top it with a burlap bow.  I also spray painted the chicken wire a rusty red color.  Since we live on a farm the chicken wire message center is the perfect touch to my kitchen.  It is much cuter in person.

I found this little metal planter turned note holder at Walmart.  A quick coat of spray paint, a note pad and pen and it's perfect for this space.

Last, but not least... the inspiration for my color palette is this kitchen towel from WM.  I love the goldenrod yellow, rusty red and aqua, accented with chocolate brown.  I've had roosters in my kitchen for a long time, but they were more realistic.  I am loving the whimsical kind.  Such a fun change.