By Chef Judi Gallagher –
In January we celebrate both Oatmeal Month and National Blueberry Pancake week. Oatmeal and blueberries are in my favorite food categories, so I decided to combine the two for a healthier version of traditional pancakes.
Combining whole wheat flour with the oats makes the texture more dense than usual, but makes a hearty pancake with a very pleasing taste. Along with the blueberries inside the pancakes, I recommend you make a blueberry sauce by adding 1 cup of blueberry preserves, 1 cup of fresh blueberries and ¼ cup sugar to a medium sauce pot with 1 tablespoon hot water. Simmer until the blueberries begin to soften. Serve this blueberry compote on top of a regular bowl of oatmeal or top a whole grain waffle with frozen vanilla yogurt and this scrumptious sauce.
Blueberry Oatmeal Pancakes
1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
1 cup rolled oats
2 tablespoons sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cups milk
2 eggs
1 cup blueberries
In a large bowl mix flour, oats, sugar, baking powder and salt; set aside. In small bowl beat milk and eggs until blended, stir into flour mixture and then stir in berries. Using 1/4 cup batter for each pancake, bake on hot greased griddle until golden brown on both sides. Serve with blueberry compote or coulis and a side of turkey sausage.
Oatmeal Blueberry Squares
Make sure you use fresh blueberries in this recipes. Frozen blueberries are too soft and runny.
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup quick-cooking oats
1 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup shortening
2 1/2 cups fresh blueberries
1/4 cup sugar
In a large bowl, combine the flour, oats, brown sugar and salt. Cut shortening until crumbly. Press half of the mixture into a greased 9-inch square baking dish. Bake at 350 degrees for 10 minutes or until brown around the edges. Combine the blueberries and sugar; sprinkle over crust. Top with remaining oat mixture; press down gently. Bake 35-40 minutes
longer or until golden brown. Serve warm.