Due to my thyroid that has decided to slack on the job an day close family history of diabetes, my functional medicine doctor put me on a grain free, refined sugar free, dairy free food plan.
No wheat, rye, rice, etc, etc, etc. Not just gluten free – that’s different issue – grain free. I am supposed to be dairy free as well and for 99% of the time, I am. But I do love a little bit of cheese now and then so 99% is good enough. And if I want a little sweetener, maple syrup or raw honey do the trick with minimal amounts.
Anyway, going grain free has significantly improved my inflammation, GI problems (I basically don’t have them anymore. Zip. Zero. None.), brain fog, energy levels and blood sugar levels. And truly, I don’t really miss grains except for every once in awhile like this morning. All I really wanted were pancakes.
I would normally mix up a batch from scratch but I discovered the most amazing paleo pancake mix and honestly, I will probably never go back to mixing up my own. I’m a scratch chef but for pancakes? This mix is perfect. Birch Benders created the perfect blend of almond flour, cassava, and coconut to make the fluffiest, lightest grain free pancakes. My husband even said he likes them better than traditional pancakes! Seriously, if you’re paleo, grain free or just need an alternative option grab a bag. Now.
To top these fluffy beauties, I pulled the delights of summer and drizzled Lavendered Berry Syrup all over them. It is the perfect mix of sweet, floral, and tart and goes so well with any breakfast item. Top your oatmeal or your french toast. Layer it onto crepes or fluffy biscuits. Or best yet? Add a few berries and some of the syrup to the bottom of a champagne flute and top with some bubbly for a sparkling brunch partner.
As for the syrup…. it’s beyond easy and it will make you look like an absolute master chef. 5 ingredients, no cooking, make ahead of time and serve when everything else is ready.
Recipe: Lavendered Berry Syrup
- 1 pound organic, fresh strawberries. No, frozen will not do- they defrost into mush and though great for smoothies, not so for this recipe.
- 1 pint organic, fresh raspberries. Same thing- not frozen.
- 1 cup organic pure maple syrup. Also, no the fake stuff doesn’t work here. A) just never use that stuff B) it’s filled with.. well, fillers and fake ingredients and maple flavoring that would be way overpowering for the berries and lavender anyway. The one I linked above is infused with Madagascar Vanilla and is positively heavenly. If you don’t use this one, add 1tsp of pure Vanilla extract.
- 1-2 drops Young Living Vitality Lavender essential oil. Yes, I only recommend Young Living oils because that’s what I trust and use exclusively. And, they are the only brand that carries an FDA approved line of oils exclusively for consuming. You don’t drink perfume so don’t trust that any old essential oil you pick up at the grocery store is 100% pure essential oil. I don’t care what your bottle label says. Is it under $20? Then there is a high probability of fillers and chemical fragrances in that oil. Do your research and don’t eat perfume.
- 1 Tablespoon dried, organic lavender buds. Mine, I grown at home. But if I run out I trust Frontier Organics or Kate Naturals.
Step 1: Wash your berries with my DIY Fruit and Veggie wash or snag the Thieves one here. Berries are in the top ten most susceptible to pesticides so choosing organic is your first step. But washing your produce is key. It only takes a minute or two and you’re ready to go.
Step 2: Remove strawberry hulls (stems) and dice to the size of your preference. Set aside in a serving bowl.
Step 3: Measure out your lavender buds and 1 drop of Vitality Lavender essential oil into a glass measuring cup. Start with 1 drop of oil and if you decide a more floral note is needed, add one additional drop but not too many or it will taste like soap. No one wants soapy pancakes.
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Step 4: Pour 1 cup of pure maple syrup over the lavender buds and oil and mix together. Pour this mixture over the berries and toss to coat evenly. Cover and let macerate for 30 mins, an hour, a few hours or overnight. Literally however long you have but at least long enough to allow the juices from the berries to release and create a decadent syrup.
Step 5: Make pancakes and drizzle with the lavender syrup, followed by several spoonfuls of the sweet berries. Eat.
Need a drink with your brunch? Add 1tsp of the maple lavender syrup to the bottom of a champagne flute + 2-3 berries. Top with your favorite bubbly drink- Prosecco, Champagne, Sparkling Water or Tonic and enjoy.
EoErica 