Cinnamon Roll in a Pancake? Yes Please!

In case you haven't been reading my previous food posts, the idea behind most of them is to find healthier alternatives to making unhealthy dishes. Well this morning I made an amazing discovery. You see, it's a pancake with a syrup that tastes like cinnamon rolls and its low calorie and low fat!! AMAZING.

The problems I have been having in my eating healthy habits have a bit to do with my lack of control when I am with my boyfriend. When we are apart I eat pretty well, but when we are together it is very difficult. He loves sweets and meats... and honestly, so do I. This makes it very difficult to stay away from the bad stuff when we are together. So this morning I was determined to make a breakfast that would satisfy his sweet tooth but also meet my criteria for an at least semi-healthy start to the day.

I researched some weight watcher recipes for pancakes and found one that had rave reviews. I also researched homemade syrup recipes (because I didn't have any) and tweaked one a little to make it more healthy. The results, really delicious pancakes with a syrup that tastes like cinnamon rolls! I couldn't believe it. I have never had pancakes that tasted so good.

Cinnamon Roll Syrup

1/4 Cup Low Fat Margarine (My favorite is Brummel & Brown made with Natural Yogurt. It has the best buttery flavor)

1/2 Cup Light Brown Sugar

1/2 Cup Skim Milk, Soured (mix in 1/2 tbsp of lemon juice or vinegar and let sit for 5 min. This is a replacement for buttermilk)

1/2 Tbsp Vanilla

1/4 Tsp Cinnamon

1/2 Tbsp Light Corn Syrup

1/4 Tsp Baking Soda

Combine margarine, brown sugar, skim milk, vanilla, cinnamon and corn syrup in a large sauce pan. Bring to a simmer. Once simmering mix in baking soda, and cook for 10 seconds. Remove from heat.

(Adapted from Melissa at Allrecipes.com)

*Note: Make the syrup before the pancakes and let it cool slightly so it will get a little thicker. This syrup does not get thick like a regular syrup but that allows for easier spreading on the pancakes and use of less syrup. Also, the baking soda will make the syrup foam up. The foaming will go away once syrup cools slightly.

Serving Size 2 tbsp (Makes 8 servings): Cal 55; Fat 2

Weight Watcher Pancakes

3/4 Cup Whole Wheat Flour

1/3 Cup Unsweetened Applesauce

1/2 Tbsp Baking Soda

1/2 Cup Skim Milk, Soured

1/4 Cup Eggbeaters or 1 Egg White

1/2 Tbsp Cinnamon

1 1/2 Tsp Splenda

Mix all ingredients in large bowl until smooth. (Batter will be thicker than a normal pancake batter) Heat large non-stick skillet and spray with cooking spray. Drop 1/4 cup of batter into skillet and spread out. Let cook like a regular pancake.

(Adapted from Justcallmetoni from recipezaar.com)

Makes 6 pancakes. Per Pancake: Cal: 65; Fat: 0