Oatmeal Pancakes

How are those resolutions working out for you? If one of your goals for 2020 was to eat healthier, I have a recipe to share with you.

Here's a hearty, healthy pancake that takes a bit of planning (part of the batter needs to rest overnight in the refrigerator), but it's well worth the wait.

Oatmeal Pancakes

Cook Time.

Prep time: 12 hours,

Cook time: 10 min.

Ready in: 12 hours 10 min.

Yields: Who knows? This feeds 4 people in my house

Ingredients

• 2 cups regular rolled oats, not instant
• 2 cups buttermilk, or 2 teaspoons cider vinegar plus enough milk to make 2 cups
• 2 eggs, lightly beaten
• 1/4 cup butter or margarine, melted and cooled
• 1/2 cup raisins or dried cranberries, fresh blueberries, chocolate chips, etc.
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

1. In a medium bowl combine oats and buttermilk (or soured milk). Stir to blend. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
2. In the morning add the eggs, melted butter, and raisins--stir just to blend. In another bowl combine all of the remaining ingredients. Add to the oatmeal mixture and stir just until moistened.
3. Cook on a lightly greased griddle or frying pan over medium-high heat. Use about 1/4 cup of batter for each pancake.

So What are the Health Benefits of Oatmeal?

Oatmeal is truly a "superfood". Packed with soluble fiber and healthy nutrients, oatmeal is a nutritional superhero. According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, elevated total cholesterol is a chief risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Soluble fiber-rich foods such as oatmeal are an effective way of reducing elevated cholesterol levels.

Sticking to a diet can be challenging if your appetite isn't under control. According to a study published in the October 2009 issue of "Molecular Nutrition & Food Research" a compound in oatmeal reduces appetite by increasing a hunger-fighting hormone. You can help reduce your appetite even further by consuming fibrous foods such as fresh fruits and vegetables with your bowl of oatmeal.

And then, there is colon cancer. According to the National Cancer Institute, almost 50,000 adults die each year from colon cancer. Antioxidants help reduce colon cancer risk by fighting cancer-causing compounds known as free radicals. Oats are rich in a class of antioxidants known as avenanthramides, which may help reduce colon cancer risk (December 2009 issue of "Nutrition Reviews").