Vegan Butternut Squash Pancakes + Rosemary Sage Butter

11/20/2018

It seemed like yesterday that I cooked for the "You Are Enough" Yoga Retreat on Bowen Island in Canada. Some energy shift in September occurred and I believe this retreat was the beginning of a new chapter in my life.

I found peace, calmness and serenity in my life. And to me, cooking is therapeutic.

The days were long, working from 6am to 9pm, but none of it felt like work. It is amazing when we work with our passion it doesn't feel like work. It's like getting paid for doing something you love. And I love cooking. It's a moment where creativity ignites and the head, heart and hands unite and share some TLC.

There is a reason why people love mom's cooking. Her energy imprints the food and everyone loves mom and her cooking (well most at least).

While at the retreat, the students experienced yoga in the eco dome while I plugged in ambient music in the kitchen and let the creativity begin. Now waking up at 5am to make pancakes wasn't easy, but enjoyable because the results were well worth it.

For this recipe, I used my Vegan Pumpkin Spiced Pancake recipe but used butternut squash puree instead of pumpkin. At the retreat, I doubled the recipe and made 3-4 inch pancakes instead of the larger ones as seen in the pumpkin pancake recipe.

Both the pumpkin and the butternut squash are sweet, savory and smooth. The subtle spices enhance the flavor of traditional squash, making it a perfect fall and winter treat.

Coupled with the herb butter, this is a breakfast that features full on fall and winter flavors.

For this recipe, you can use canned butternut squash puree or puree steamed or roasted squash. Regardless of what you choose, both taste great but as a general thumb of rule - fresh is better.

At the retreat, I paired this with agave roasted figs with sage. This would also pair well with myBaked Apple recipe.

However you eat it, I guarantee you'll love this recipe. Between the savory butter and the sweetness in the maple syrup, this is a breakfast bursting with flavor and freshness.

From me to you, have a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday and I hope this is part of your holiday brunch menu this fall.

“Remember God’s bounty in the year. String the pearls of His favor. Hide the dark parts, except so far as they are breaking out in light! Give this one day to thanks, to joy, to gratitude!”
– Henry Ward Beecher

Vegan Butternut Squash Pancakes + Rosemary Sage Butter
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time 20-25 minutes
Makes: 13 pancakes large or approx. 26 small

Dry Ingredients:
2 cups of all purpose flour
2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
2 1/8 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp nutmeg
1/2 tsp all spice
Pinch of clove

Wet Ingredients:
2 cups of nondairy milk (used almond)
1 tsp lemon juice
2 tbsp maple syrup
1 cup butternut squash puree
1/4 cup coconut oil (or canola/grapeseed)
Splash of vanilla extract

Vegan Rosemary Sage Butter
8 oz vegan buttery stick, at room temperature
1/2 tsp fresh rosemary, chopped
1 tsp fresh sage, chopped
(adjust for a stronger flavor)

Vegan butter, oil or cooking spray for cooking

Directions:
Place all the dry ingredients into a bowl and mix until combined. Next, place all the wet ingredients into a separate bowl and mix until combined. Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet. Mix until combined. If the batter is too thick, add a bit more milk to the batter. The batter should be able to pour off a ladle (if its too sticky, it'll need more milk).

Heat a skillet with your choice of cooking spray, oil or vegan butter. Once hot, use a 1/4 scant cup or ladle and pour the batter in (counter) clockwise direction (either direction) to form a circle. Once the batter bubbles on top, flip the pancake, using a spatula.

From here, you may need to turn down the heat. Respray or oil the heat and repeat until all the batter is used. Top with maple syrup and enjoy!

For the butter, mash the room temperature butter in a bowl. Chop the herbs and mix into the butter with a fork. Add additional herbs for a stronger flavor. Note - rosemary goes a long way!

Let's Connect! Check out my other recipes that you may enjoy!