Thursday, February 14, 2013

Happy Valentine's Day: Pink Pancakes!

Happy Valentine's Day!  Hopefully you are able to share this special day with those you hold dear - grown ups and bébés alike. In this post, we are highlighting one of our favorite cold weather veggies: Beets! 

This colorful root vegetable is nutrient-dense and available year-round although is at its peak during the colder months. Beets are full of fiber, which helps ease constipation. They are also one of the best foods for anemic babies because they contain high levels of both iron and copper.

When shopping for beets you will likely notice they are sold in bunches with the tops still attached while others are sold individually with the tops removed. It is important to look for beets that are firm, round and have a slender main root. Beets are best with a rich color and smooth surface. You can easily gauge freshness when they are bunched by observing the condition of the tops. Stay away from badly wilted tops. The tops are nutrient dense, so don't toss them out! They can be prepared just as you would fresh spinach leaves.

Petit Pointer: a blend of Petit Organics Simply Beets with a squeeze of lime juice is an effective remedy for vomiting, diarrhea, food poisoning and even jaundice!  Who knew?

Pink Pancakes


Ingredients
  • 3/4 cup water 
  • 1/2 cup low-fat ricotta cheese (or low-fat cottage cheese)
  • 1/2 container Petit Organics Simply Golden Beets
  • 1/4 cup red beets, cooked and pureed
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon 
  • 1 ¼ cup pancake mix
  • pure maple syrup (optional)
Preparation
  1. Thoroughly combine the water, ricotta cheese, beets, brown sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon in a mixing bowl.
  2. Add the pancake mix to the cheese mixture. Stir until just combined. Do not overmix!  You want the batter to be a little lumpy.
  3. Using a nonstick griddle over medium heat, pour 1/4 cup of the batter at a time. When you see bubbles start to form, it is time to flip the pancake. If the bottom is too brown, turn the heat down slightly. It should take about 1 to 2 minutes per side.
  4. Serve warm and garnish with maple syrup or fresh fruit if desired.
Yields 10-12 pancakes.  Bon appetit to you and your bébés!

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