Banana Pancakes and a ride on Highway one

Greeting 2016 with Pancakes and Highway One

1/4/2016

I need protein for my morning meal and these delicious pancakes pack in 10 grams of protein and are ready in 10 minutes. They have three ingredients: a ripe banana, one egg, and 2 tablespoon of whole wheat flour.

In general, I am not a pancake person, but when I saw this recipe in Cooking Light I was intrigued. I have made them several times, sprinkled them with some blueberries, roasted nuts and a little bit of maple syrup. I like these pancakes because they are soft and fluffy and only have 228 calories without the toppings. This is important to me right now since I have expanded a bit over the holidays . I don't like to deprive myself of good food—and don't like being hungry.

Preview recipe

Sometimes when life has too many hurdles and I don't have the answers or solutions, I go for a ride or a walk into the countryside. Nature gives me a helping hand. It smiles upon me and let's me forget the worries of the world. It calms my fears and reminds me that there is always a new beginning and beauty wherever I am.

Last week, before New Year’s 2016, my husband and I went on such a ride exploring the country roads off beautiful Highway 1 along our Pacific coast. As an afterthought, I took my camera. This stretch of highway between San Francisco and Santa Cruz is stunning and beautiful—and I can never get enough. But the small roads off Highway One are even better—and not so crowded. One of my favorites is Swanton Road, which parallels Highway One in a horseshoe for about 8 miles. On the way back to Santa Cruz, we stopped at Davenport Landing, another small horseshoe-shaped road on the ocean side of Highway One. There is a place that raises abalone, which I’ve never tasted and hope to get to one day. I have always loved the little town of Davenport, which reminds me of early days of coastal California. Davenport has a great glass studio, Lundberg Studios, where I have gotten several special pieces. They even have a great seconds studio. There is also a wonderful inn and restaurant, called the Davenport Road House, that has live music Tuesdays and Fridays. All the locals seem to like the Whale City bakery, that has a great menu and delicious home-baked treats. Not to mention beer & tacos for $2 each on Thursday nights. With live music..

Highway One leaving Davenport

On the ride back to Santa Cruz, I always go along West Cliff Drive. As many times as I have walked along West Cliff Drive, I never tire of the beauty, serenity and ruggedness of the views where the Pacific Ocean meets the land mass of North America. So many many times, I have sat on one of the benches along West Cliff contemplating my life, sometimes with tears, but always soothed by its never-ending beauty. I am so privileged to call this place home.

Natural Bridges at West Cliff Drive in Santa Cruz

54 Comments

nancy at good food matters link

1/5/2016 05:50:21 am

Hi Gerlinde, Prost and Happy 2016! Your pancake recipe looks and sounds delicious, but I especially enjoyed the travel segment of this post. You live in a special part of the world, and I love seeing it through your images and words. Wishing you all the best in the new year--Nancy

Gerlinde

1/7/2016 07:07:08 am

Thank you Nancy. I do live in a beautiful place and we are getting our much needed rain. Have a happy and healthy 2016.

KathrynR

1/5/2016 11:37:57 am

Gerlinde, not only do the pancakes look yummy, but I am so glad you brought your camera on your day trip! You have some very beautiful scenery where you live, thank you for sharing. :)

1/5/2016 08:58:14 pm

I'm still struggling when it comes to taking photos. I have a lot to learn.

Pamela link

1/5/2016 12:09:32 pm

Oh my, I got so nostalgic, looking at your photos. I've driven on Hwy 1 many times over the years, and been enthralled each time. There's something so magnificent about the area you live in. Of course, those views of the Pacific Ocean help, but also the air and the ambiance. And I really like that Santa Cruz has stayed more the 'same' than other parts of the SF bay area and beyond. Now about those pancakes - I rarely eat pancakes, mainly because I always figured they were fattening. But YOU have just helped me rationalize that pancakes with blueberries have just the protein and fruit that I need! Yummy. :-)

1/7/2016 07:39:11 pm

I agree Pam, I live in a special place. Santa Cruz has had its ups and downs, the 89 Loma Prieta earthquake , right now we are being washed away by rain and waves. It's been my home for a long time. I'm on your side with pancakes, I usually don't like them, but I like these banana ones.

Deb|EastofEdenCooking link

1/5/2016 12:40:21 pm

What a scrumptious welcome to the new year! I also enjoy driving the north coast, Pescadero is a favorite stop. And Swanton Farm always has something good to bring home. We also include protein in our breakfasts, usually eggs. These pancakes are a great alternative.

1/7/2016 07:40:25 pm

Let's go to Pescadera and Swanton Farm when it stops raining.

Mary Ann | The Beach House Kitchen link

1/5/2016 01:24:55 pm

I have to say I think I have expanded a tad over the holidays too Gerlinde. I'll have to give these pancakes a go because I am a big pancake fan (I got that from my dad). It sounds like your drive was so enjoyable. I have never been to California, but one day I'm going to make it there. All I hear are wonderful things about it! Happy New Year!

1/7/2016 07:43:35 pm

You should come and visit one of these days when it is not raining and storming. The pancakes are bland because they don't have any sugar in them. I like to add a little bit of maple syrup.

Gerlinde in Washington link

1/5/2016 02:25:26 pm

I have tried a similar recipe with coconut flour and the pancakes were delicious. I'll make them with whole wheat flour the next time!

1/7/2016 07:44:27 pm

Gerlinde, let me know how they turn out.

Jo Nell Huff link

1/5/2016 02:35:12 pm

Pancakes look wonderful! We don't have them often either and we don't need any extra calories after the holiday...gain...either. These would be great though. The photos were a nice treat too. Our coast is dull compared to yours. We have traveled 101 a couple of times and it is always beautiful around every curve. May 2016 bring good things to you and yours! Cheers!

1/7/2016 07:45:59 pm

Thanks Jo, wishing you good health and happiness for the New Year.

Suzanne link

1/5/2016 03:15:09 pm

Gerlinde I love your pancakes, exactly the kind of pancake I should be eating now, I over ate this holiday and feel awful. They look wonderful. Beautiful photo's!!

1/7/2016 07:50:06 pm

I know the feeling Suzanne. It's hard to diet when you enjoy food so much. I will try portion control😬!!

Tricia link

1/5/2016 04:30:38 pm

I feel the same way about being outdoors. Sometimes I just need to breathe and enjoy nature the way God intended. Lovely pancakes :) We are trying to be healthier too. Thanks!

1/7/2016 07:55:05 pm

I hope I can reduce my caloric intake somewhat. It's difficult ! Have a great weekend Tricia.

Penny link

1/5/2016 06:41:52 pm

I will be trying these banana pancakes soon. So easy, so nutritious, and, I am imagining, filling. Thank you.
I would love these road trips, Gerlinde. Such wondrous words and photos. I, too, will walk in nature or take to the road when I'm needing a "helping hand". It is cold here right now, but, the snow has its own beauty and I walk where I can and have lately been needed a little drive to our arboretum. Maybe tomorrow . . .

1/7/2016 07:57:50 pm

Hi Penny, I hope your got your drive to the arboretum and a little walk weather permitting. It's raining cats and dogs in Santa Cruz.

Karen (Back Road Journal) link

1/6/2016 05:18:24 am

I've changed my breakfast as I too have expanded a bit. I never would have thought of pancakes…they look great.

1/7/2016 08:00:10 pm

I would have never thought of pancakes either until I saw this recipe in " Cooking Light".

Yuko

1/6/2016 10:47:26 am

Happy New Year, Gerlinde!
You always comfort and inspire me. Thank you!

1/7/2016 08:01:20 pm

Thanks Yuko, that is so sweet . Let's get in touch soon.

sippitysup link

1/6/2016 03:20:18 pm

Driving the hidden pockets of the CA coast is a wonderful way to see in the new year. As are pancakes a great way to start the day. GREG

1/7/2016 08:02:01 pm

Thanks Greg, have a great weekend !

Marylin Warner link

1/9/2016 10:19:00 am

Gerlinde, THANK YOU for this recipe. The entire post was a gift. It was one of those mornings that you beautifully described... when life has too many hurdles and I don't have the answers or solutions... and I was needing something delicious, easy, and wonderful. This was perfect! Thank you, dear friend. Your word--calm--transmitted to me!

1/9/2016 11:10:38 am

Thank you Marylin, your comment made my day. Your blog always inspires me and I had to think about my word for 2016 for a while. Calm is good for me because I'm a hummingbird by nature.

Teagan

1/9/2016 02:06:37 pm

What a beautiful post! A delicious breakfast to get us going, and then a magical road trip on Highway 1. I'm completely envious. :D
Huge hugs!

1/9/2016 11:13:19 pm

Thank you Teagan, huge hugs to you also.

Dominica S.

1/10/2016 05:12:01 pm

Damn, amazing idea for a quick and delicious breakfast!
Thank you for sharing! :)
Visit my blog whenever you have time,
http://its-dominica.blogspot.co.uk/ Kisses !!

1/11/2016 11:32:13 am

Well thank you Dominca

slmoran21@sbcglobal.net link

1/11/2016 10:11:25 am

I'm always fascinated with recipes with minimal ingredients, these look and sound fantastic!

1/11/2016 04:59:04 pm

They are pretty good, thank you.

Kunstkitchen

1/11/2016 12:42:42 pm

Thanks for stopping by to see my SF and Berkeley photos. Admit that I I am a smidge' jealous that you can just go for a ride on Hwy 1. :-)

1/11/2016 05:01:02 pm

Thank you, I do live in a beautiful area.

Fae's Twist & Tango link

1/12/2016 12:39:18 pm

Happy New Year 2016 to you and yours, dear Gerlinde!
So you were/are visiting my neck of the woods. I hope everything was as you expected and you had a Grand Time. :)

1/23/2016 07:42:47 pm

I did Fae, I went to bad early.

EllaDee link

1/13/2016 10:22:50 pm

Banana pancakes are my favourite... there used to be a local café who made the best but they've gone. Now I can make my own :) I love the pics of your trip. I haven't driven along coast of California but I have done the train trip from San Diego to San Fran, and I can say it's truly wonderful to see.

1/13/2016 11:07:51 pm

Hi EllaDee, I don't know if I will ever get the chance to visit your beautiful country Australia

Nicole @ thejameskitchen link

1/17/2016 07:10:48 am

Those pancakes sound really good, Gerlinde! So re expansion, I am not recommending you to stop at the Half Moon Bay Coffee Company for some cake (I hope they are still there and their cakes are still as excellent as I remember) unless you've done an excessive beach walk. I always loved the drive from our side to the Los Trancos Open Space Reserve which looked like Alpine roads and the South of France at the same time. Part of the reserve is the Saint Andreas Fault Trail demonstrating quite drastically the magnitude of the 1906 and Loma Prieta earthquakes, walking & education.
There's also a little drive from Hwy1 north on the 84 towards the 280 via La Honda through deep woods and dark valleys, a super contrast coming from the light-filled coast.

Frohes Neues Jahr, Nicole

1/23/2016 07:46:35 pm

Hi Nicole, I love the drive to the Los Trances Open Space Reserve, although I haven't done it for a while. The same with the La Honda Drive. I check out the bakery the next time I am in Half Moon Bay.
I wish you the very best for 2016!

Nica

1/17/2016 01:50:07 pm

We used gabanzo flour instead and they tastsed very good!!!! So this makes them gluten free

1/17/2016 08:22:34 pm

That is very cool Nica, I bet it would work with different flours,

TheKitchenLioness

1/18/2016 12:00:32 pm

Dear Gerlinde, hope you and your hubby had a great start to the new year! And those banana pancakes look fabulous - I will hand the recipe over to the kids and let them prepare those lovely pancakes for me. You make them sound like an irrestible breakfast treat!
Liebe Grüße und alles Gute,
Andrea

1/21/2016 10:23:28 pm

I think your children will like them with some syrup and fruit.
Alles Liebe
Gerlinde

Kennedy Cole@ KCole's Creative Corner link

1/21/2016 05:48:27 pm

I'm the same way; I have to start off my day with loads of protein, and these look like the perfect way to do just that! We make pancakes on a rare occasion, but I definitely need to make them more! Thanks for sharing! :D

1/23/2016 07:48:10 pm

I'm trying to rethink my breakfast. I liked your egg dish you posted.

sherry MacKay link

1/24/2016 09:05:44 pm

those travel snaps are marvellous. such lovely countryside.

1/28/2016 07:45:58 pm

Thank you Sherry

Mary Frances link

1/28/2016 07:37:35 am

Yum! That looks delicious and healthy. I should try making this for breakfast tomorrow. Thanks for sharing :)

1/28/2016 07:50:06 pm

I hope you like them. Have a great weekend.

grace link

2/11/2016 08:10:07 am

great scenery!
banana pancakes are great for breakfast, though i usually get lazy and just add slices on top. i also like peanut butter to be involved too. :)

2/11/2016 09:49:43 am

I used to do the same thing until I found this recipe. Peanut butter sounds great!

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Greeting 2016 with Pancakes and Highway One

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