My heart is heavy this morning. Our little Sketchie cat is going through a surgery right now. It broke my heart saying good-bye this morning. He has no idea what he’s in for, what he will wake up to, and have to recover from. I haven’t written much about Sketchie’s bowel problems (most likely because it doesn’t tie into the topic of food very well!), but our vet suspects that he has Irritable Bowel Disease. Many days he is running to get to his litter box in time. I won’t get into details, but it’s so sad to watch. His problems were there as a kitten and have gotten worse over the years. We’ve tried relentlessly to find a cure for his problems – grain-free food, the raw food diet, single protein food sources, pumpkin, probiotics – you name it, and nothing seemed to help for long and he’s also extremely picky with food so that complicates things too. He has had blood work and stool testing galore! I feel so bad for him because he obviously doesn’t understand what is going on with his body.
Our vet recommended that Sketchie have exploratory surgery where they will take a biopsy of his intestines, examine his organs, and look for anything unusual like cancer. If we just put him on medication it might cover up a serious problem that’s going on, so we decided it was best to know what’s really going on inside him. His recent blood work came back that he has low B12 which could be a result of IBD or it could be due to something more serious like lymphoma. The hardest part about this decision is that we don’t know for sure if it will end up finding a solution to his problem, but we figure it’s worth a shot for his long-term health and happiness. We really don’t know what else to do at this point. One thing is for sure; this wacky, quirky little cat has left such a mark on my heart, I can’t imagine my life without him and I would do anything to help him.
The house feels so empty and quiet this morning (there’s no one rubbing his head on my computer screen right now or meowing at me!), but I know he’s in great hands. And he will be spoiled and taken care of 24/7 when he’s home, so hopefully his recovery goes well. I’ll keep you posted on how he’s doing. Hopefully he doesn’t hate us too much, especially with that cone around his head and mystery incision.
There’s no good way to transition into a pancake recipe today, but let’s just go with it. I need a little comfort food right about now! I made these pancakes for Eric and I after the hockey game on Sunday to celebrate the Olympics. It was an event we looked forward to for weeks and I couldn’t think of a better way to treat ourselves. It’s been a LONG time since I wrote about pancakes on this blog…too long, in fact! Hopefully this makes up for lost time.
Easy Vegan and Gluten-Free Pancakes (Strawberry Shortcake + Whipped Cream)
Yield
9 pancakes
Prep time
Cook time
Total time
These vegan pancakes are made with raw buckwheat flour, rice flour, and arrowroot flour - making them naturally gluten-free - and chopped bananas are folded into the batter to provide a fluffy, pillow-like texture. You can enjoy them plain (they are seriously really good without anything added!), or you can get fancy and serve them with some coconut whipped cream, fresh berries, vegan butter, and/or maple syrup. The sky is the limit, pancake lovers. They are also fantastic with some finely chopped chocolate thrown into the batter or blueberries! You can tell I’ve made this recipe a lot! One word of caution: The combination of gluten-free flour is sensitive to changes. I don’t recommend subbing any of the flours with oat flour, for example - it tends to create a pancake that cracks, sticks to the pan, and falls apart. I don’t have any issues with this recipe when I follow it as written and use a non-stick skillet though. This recipe is adapted from my Vanilla Blueberry Buckwheat pancakes.
Ingredients
- 1 cup raw buckwheat groats, ground into a fine flour
- 1/2 cup brown rice flour
- 2 tablespoons arrowroot powder
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon fine grain sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1.5 cups + 3 tablespoons almond milk
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup (or agave nectar)
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1 heaping cup diced ripe bananas (about 2 small/medium)
- Coconut Whipped Cream, for garnish
- Chopped Fresh Strawberries, for garnish
Directions
- Preheat a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. A drop of water should sizzle on the skillet when it’s ready.
- In a blender, blend the buckwheat groats on high speed until a fine flour forms. Place into a large bowl. Now whisk in the rest of the dry ingredients (rice flour, arrowroot, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon).
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the almond milk, syrup, and vanilla extract. Pour this onto the dry ingredients and whisk the batter until no clumps remain.
- Dice the banana until it's the size of peas or a bit larger. Fold the diced banana into the batter.
- Lightly grease skillet (I spray olive oil on it). Scoop a heaping 1/4 cup of batter onto the preheated skillet and quickly spread the batter out into a circle. Cook until some bubbles appear and the edge looks deeper in colour and more firm. Flip and cook for another couple minutes until golden. Adjust heat as needed. Repeat for the other pancakes. I spray the skillet with oil before each pancake is cooked and this seems to work well.
- Stack and serve with Coconut Whipped Cream and fresh chopped strawberries, if desired. Or simply serve with pure maple syrup!
Tip:
Notes:
If using frozen blueberries, pour batter onto skillet first and then top with blueberries to prevent bleeding.
I tried subbing the rice flour for oat flour and the pancakes stuck to the pan, so I would advise against that substitution.
If at any time your batter is too thick or if you want thinner pancakes, simply thin it out with a splash or two of almond milk.
Nutrition Information
(click to expand)
Lastly, I want to thank all of you who have let me know you received the cookbook a bit early (Indigo is shipping early and stocking the book in some stores, FYI). I’ve received so many tweets from you sharing pictures of the book in your home, recipes you’ve already made, and the like. It’s really brightened up my week and I’m so grateful for your excitement and support. One week from today, the book will be officially released and out in the world. I feel nervous, excited, anxious, scared, and grateful all at once.
Don’t forget, if you haven’t taken advantage of the Bonus Recipe Bundle with 10 bonus recipes you can still do so until next week. Details here.
Now go on and treat yourself to some pancakes!
They look beautiful! …as usual!
I’ll have to keep this in mind for when I have guests who are gf. Thank you!
Sending positive thoughts for Sketchie, as well as the worried parents. A web resource that I recommend is the yahoo group, Whole Cat Health. Amazing amount of knowledge there. I was glad to read that you are open to trying different diets (I personally feed my crew raw), and hope that y’all get an answer from the exploratory surgery.
Enjoy the blog.
but
“I made these pancakes for Eric and I after the hockey game on Sunday to celebrate the Olympics.” should me “–Eric and me–”
Read more: http://ohsheglows.com/#ixzz2uRfTC0oo
These look wonderful, and make me want summer to arrive so we can all enjoy freshly picked strawberries on top of fluffy pancakes! Keep thinking positive thoughts about your furry friend. Knowledge is power!
So sorry to hear about Sketchie’s health problems. One of our cats has been having these strange seizure-like episodes lately…the vet isn’t sure what’s causing it so we’re just monitoring for now. I totally understand how it feels to love and worry so much about a beloved pet! Wishing you and Eric the best, and Sketchie a speedy recovery.
aw, sorry to hear that Ashley. sending healing vibes to your kitty!
I hope it’s not inappropriate to say that the term “food porn” totally applies to your website! Your photos are always so beautiful. I make your recipes whenever I can and log on just to drool over them even when I don’t have time. ;-) I currently have no less than 7 tabs open with recipes I’d like to try. I’m also seriously jealous of those who’ve already received their cookbooks! Mine hasn’t arrived here in France yet.
P.S. I’m so sorry about Sketchie. My cat spent 2 months in the dreaded collar this summer after an eye operation. It’s so hard when you can’t explain to them why you’re torturing them! But it’s for the best. Good luck to you both!
As fantastic as these pancakes look, I can help but think about how you feel right now. I’m so attached to my animals so I know how it feels when something is wrong with them…just awful. But he is obviously in the best hands possible!
I hope that they can figure things out and it all turns out to be fine. Keep us updated!
p.s. I haven’t received my copy of your book yet but I can’t wait!!!
Do you think sunwarrior protein powder could be used instead of brown rice flour?
I just pre-ordered your cookbook last week, I am so excited! I am sure it won’t let me down your blog is always so inspiring I am sure your cookbook will match :) Thank you
P.S. I hope Sketchie gets well soon!
Thanks so much Cathryn! I hope you enjoy it :)
Hi Angela! I’ve been following your blog from almost the beginning and when I received your cookbook in the mail yesterday I squealed! The pictures are so beautiful and the recipes are everything I could have hoped for in a cookbook! I bought another one for a housewarming present for a friend. Congratulations on all your success!
Your book arrived today and my daughter and I made 3 recipes this afternoon. Very excited to try some more. I haven’t even finished skimming through the book yet!
Hi Angela,
I’m sorry to hear about your cat. I too, have a Great Dane with IBS (IBD?) and know so well your struggle and frustration. He was also a very picky eater but I know suspect that he was shying away from foods that made him feel unwell. Have you read any of Karen Becker’s posts on the Mercola pet site? She has some helpful info in the realm of functional medicine. B12 deficiency typically indicates lower GI inflammation and/or low stomach acid. There could be some pancreatic insufficiency secondary to the inflammation = inability to properly digest and absorb nutrients. From what I’ve read, you have lots of positive energy coming your way for the two of you, but I’ll send you some more. Best wishes!
The pancakes look great! I’ll have to recommend your book to some of my vegan clients.
Totally off topic but…..I just voted for you on the kitch.com…I brought you even with 101 cookbooks for the top spot. Here is the address for your many followers to take you to the top!
http://www.thekitchn.com/nominate-your-favorite-food-blogs-for-the-homies-awards-the-homies-2014-200239
Thanks Lea!
And….Best Health & Diet Cooking Blog: Oh She Glows….The Homie Awards from the Kitchen
http://www.thekitchn.com/nominate-your-favorite-health-diet-cooking-blog-for-the-homies-awards-the-homies-2014-200243
Congratulations Angela!!
Oh wow, that’s great! Thank you :)
looks amazing!
Those pancakes look AMAZING! I’m jealous of those who have already received their book! Can’t wait to get mine in the mail =)
Poor Sketchie! My pug has spent the last year in and out of the vet, and seeing her in pain makes me feel so sad. Sending positive thoughts to you and Sketchie. Poor guy.
I’m so sorry about your kitty. I would be a nervous wreck if my cat was having surgery.
Just wondering if the vets think he has Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) or Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) as they are two different disorders, with IBD being much more serious. Regardless, I’m sending good, healing thoughts to you guys.
Poor little Sketchie! I’ll keep my fingers crossed that he will get well soon. The cats Fuji and Kato also send their best wishes, meeeow!
I’m so sorry to hear about your cat! I foster cats (feral cats that I tame), and it is so incredibly stressful and sad to have your pets deal with health problems! I’m sending get-better vibes your way!
Also, the pancakes. Wow. They look so incredibly delicious. I can’t wait to try this recipe!!
I made these today and they were fabulous! I even reduced the buckwheat flour to 1/2 cup and used a combination of coconut flour, almond flour, and GF flour since it was what I had in the house, then threw in a few kale leaves for fun, and they were still fluffy and tender! Thanks again for a great recipe, and I hope your sweet cat is doing better!
I can relate to your kitty issues. We’ve been through such heartbreaking kitty trauma the past few years. One unexpected death and another with mystery illnesses resulting in ultrasounds, biospies, surgeries. These babies are part of our hearts and our lives. I pray that Sketchie is okay, that you receive positive news, and that your heart will be at peace. One piece of advice that encourages me…pets live in the now. We are here to make their now as happy as we can. When he’s back in your home with you he won’t be thinking about his experience at the vet. He’ll just be happy to have you snuggle him. :)
My boyfriend gave me your cookbook on Tuesday for my birthday. I was so surprised, because I didn’t think it came out anywhere until March. I can’t wait to read every single recipe inside!
I hope Sketchie is okay!! I’m thinking of all of you!! I’ll call on my Angel cats to watch over Sketchie today and going forward.
thanks for a great site.
^^
Meow
I received your cookbook this week. It’s beautiful and I can’t wait to dive into it this weekend.
Congratulations on the fabulous work!
Thoughts and prayers for Sketchie and your family. Hoping he gets better soon! :)
I love pancakes – make them almost every weekend – I also love vegan food – but have not been able to make a really satisfying vegan pancake to date. I will try yours and see how it goes. Thanks!
People have been getting they’re books early? Where’s mine? I pre-ordered last year
Hope your Sketchie will be fine. I have a chocolate lab that goes almost everywhere with me. She is my best companion. She had a stomach problem for about a year and I fed her a poached chicken, rice and pumpkin combination. Then poof! all of a sudden she was fine. Sending healthy thoughts your way.
I’m sorry, dear heart. Sending you, Sketchie, and Eric love and hugs. xo
Giving your pet to the vet (even though it is for the best) is always really hard but it is such a relief when you KNOW what is going on with them. My cat Barb had some serious fur loss and my vet did a biopsy on her to find the source of the problem. Turns out she just needed to change her diet. Relief! I hope all goes well with your kitty and it turns out to be something completely manageable for you, your kitty and family. Best of luck!
Sorry to hear about Sketchie. I myself have Inflammatory Bowel Disease. It sucks. From what I’ve heard, animals with it are generally treated with prednisone or some other corticosteroid. It certainly helps us humans with it. Hope everything turns out well. Best wishes from me and my four kitties.
Everyone around me is craving strawberry shortcake lately – this will be a nice healthy surprise for them!
I made these and they were absolutely delicious. I’ve made so many different gluten-free vegan pancakes and been disappointed more often than not. When I saw your recipe, I was so excited. The pancakes turned out wonderfully. Many recipes use a ton of different types of flour and they don’t even turn out good, your recipe is proof that simple is sometimes better. My sister also said it’s nice to be able to eat pancakes and then not feel sick after… gluten-free is great!
Many gluten free vegan pancakes are dry, flat, gooey or just don’t cook properly. These pancakes are just what pancakes should be, moist, fluffy, cooked all the way through. I really enjoyed them.
Cannot wait to go out and buy your cookbook!
Also, really sorry to hear about Sketchie! Just last weekend I had to take my Chase to the vet for a similar problem – worst part is that even after doing everything they said (changing his litter box, changing his food and forcing pills) he wasn’t any better. A little online research pointed me to Pumpkin and (for now) he seems to be doing a lot better. Keep us posted on Sketchies progress – he’s definitely my second favourite reason for reading your blog :)
Hoping & praying that Sketchie gets better soon! And congrats on your cookbook – just got notified that my copy shipped :)
Just made these for shrove Tuesday and they were out of this world! Thank you for such an incredibly delicious recipe.
Lovely, I usually cook pancakes from veganyumyum.com but I will definitely try yours, looks sooo amazing!
Oh no. I’ve read through all the comments and no news on Sketchie. My heart aches and my own kitties are wondering what has happened with Sketchie.
Lovely. I used chia seeds dissolved in water to form a gel of the consistency of a beaten egg to bind the mixture instead of banana.
I am currently studying abroad in Spain, and one thing I have been craving like crazy is a good ole’ pancake and this recipe looks divine! I guess returning back to the states in a few months won’t be too horrible since I’ll be able to make these beauties!
Can the almond milk be substituted for coconut milk?
These were great! My Eric and I made them for lunch today and are going to bookmark this recipe to be used again!
Just made the Vegan/Gluten-free pancakes and they were wonderful! Didn’t do the Whipped Cream and they still great. Thank you
I make a similar recipe twice a week:
For six medium pancakes for my own breakfast, I start with half a large ripe banana, mashed. I use about a cup of grain, which usually includes a blend of buckwheat flour, chickpea flour, polenta, and rolled oats.
I add one teaspoon of baking soda (NOT baking powder), because soda makes things rise while powder makes them spread. And a tablespoon of oil. And I flavor these days with allspice, cardamom, and fresh minced ginger. I also usually add some chocolate chips and pecan pieces.
Finally, I pour in some water. I never measure it and my pancakes often come out a little different depending on how much I use. It might be about ½–¾ cup. I stir it up well.
All the while, I’ve been preheating my Scanpan griddle, which takes about 5–7 minutes to warm up over medium heat. I pour on four pancakes at a time, and the batter is thick enough to require a little nudging from a spoon but nearly pourable. They cook maybe two minutes on each side, but I think a little less on the second. I warm maple syrup in a small pot and slice the remaining half banana on the pancakes after depanning.
The most amazing and satisfying pancakes! I’m in love!
I have been DYING to make these. I am obsessed with pancakes and have been missing them like crazy since going wheat-free while nursing my wheat sensitive baby. I finally made them this morning and used cornstarch as a sub for the arrowroot powder as my grocery store has been out of it for the past few weeks. They turned out great! My only disappointment was that after being on a recent banana kick, I am banana-ed out and so these were more banana-y than I was looking for (like all my new banana themed adjectives?) So, I was wondering, if I am looking to make a more traditionally flavored pancake could I substitute an egg and some honey for the banana (as I am guessing it is a binder and sweetener here). What do you think?
BTW- bought your cookbook, love it!
I recently developed a sensitivity to wheat so when my hubby wanted to make pancakes for breakfast I quickly went online to see what gluten-free/vegan options were available. Not all gluten-free pancakes seemed appetizing, which is how I stumbled onto your website. THANK GOODNESS! I couldn’t tear myself away from your recipe blog. I never thought vegan could be so appealing. My daughter tried the gluten-free pancake recipe and won’t eat ‘regular’ pancakes again. I picked up a copy of your cookbook at Chapters on the weekend — last one on the shelf! Thank you for being true to yourself and inspiring others.
Hi Angela,
I’m really enjoying my cookbook and have given/recommended it to several of my family and friends – it’s great, well done!
I’ve made these pancakes many times, and when I want a change from rice flour, teff flour is a perfect substitute – the pancakes don’t stick and the consistency is the same as with rice flour, plus you get the added benefit of dietary fiber, protein and iron – perfect!
As well, I mix the entire recipe in the blender – just toss all the ingredients in, including the 2 bananas, and mix it well. There aren’t chunks of banana, but the flavour and texture is wonderful! I then stir in some frozen blueberries and raspberries for a little extra nutrition and texture.
Thank you for yet another delicious, wholesome recipe, and congratulations on all of your successes … all the best with your pregnancy – so happy for you both – and with your dear, little Sketchie.