"Where We're Going-We Don't Need Carbs"

Look; I like cookies, cakes and snacks as much as the next guy—but lately I've been going overboard. Between the various experiments with cookies and fudges at night in preparation for the holidays, (thank goodness I'm able to unload most of that on my co-workers in the mornings) as well as all the eating out for dinner I've been doing—I definitely am feeling like I need a long break and a lot of gym time...
So in trying to pare myself back from the plethora of carbs and sugars (damn you sugar..!!!! Lol..)


I decided to bring back something I haven't made in quite a while...
This, of course, is my "Chocolate Protein Dutch Baby" with "Cinnamon Apples"
For the uninitiated; a Dutch Baby is a pancake which is baked in the oven, which allows it to puff up (and collapse in the center) while cooking...
I just love them, and with this wonderful recipe I get to make my cake and eat it to—and all without any of the guilt... (You can't beat that–really)
So I won't continue to bore you too much more with a whole lot of blither and blather, and get right to the good stuff—the recipe...
This ones pretty simple and shockingly good; a scoop of protein powder, some cocoa, vanilla, sugar substitute, baking powder, almond milk and an egg for the Pancake. Then a few apple slices, cinnamon, butter (or your favorite butter flavored substitute) and sugar substitute (truvia or stevia) for your topping...
For those who want it and just can't live without a little syrup on their pancake;  Mancakes makes a maple flavored syrup that's high fiber, and low sugar, and tastes close to the real thing... (Available at your local Vitamin Shoppe)
Either way this recipe is a terrific alternative to counter the carb heavy holidays we find ourselves in; so continue to fixate on the fun, walk off the sweets as you shop and try this for your next breakfast—I think you'll find that it is, oh so "Definitely Delish"


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"Chocolate Protein Powder Dutch Baby" with "Cinnamon Apples"

Ingredients:
Pancake:
1 scoop of Chocolate Protein Powder (Quest works best as far as I've seen)
2 Eggs, at room temperature
1/2 teaspoon Baking Powder
1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
1 1/2 tablespoons Cocoa Powder (I use Hersheys special dark)
1-2 teaspoons Truvia (Or your prefered Sugar substitute)
1 tablespoon Coconut flour
1/8 teaspoon fine Sea Salt
1 tablespoon Butter (Light or your favorite substitute)
2-4 tablespoons of Unsweetened Almond Milk (More if necessary)

Apple Topping:
1 tablespoon Butter (Light or Substitute)
1/2 Apple, sliced thin
1/2 teaspoon Cinnamon (Plus more for dusting)
1 teaspoon Truvia (Or substitute)

Directions:
Pancake:
1. Pre-heat oven to 450 degress farenheit, with a 10 inch cast iron skillet
placed inside...
2. In a bowl, or blender, combine the pancake ingredients-mixing until a smooth
batter like consistency is reached. Additional Almond Milk beyond 4 tablespoons
may be required...
3. Once the oven has reached temperature, remove (using an oven mitt) the cast iron skillet
and place a tablespoon of butter into it. Swirl the butter around coating the sides and
bottom of the skillet, then pour the butter into your batter...
4. Place your skillet on the stove, quickly mix the butter into the batter and then pour
all of the batter into your skillet covering the entire bottom of the skillet...
5. Now put your skillet back inside the top half of your oven and cook for 20 to 25 until puffed and darkened at edges...
6. Remove the skillet from the oven with an oven mitt, then pour or ladle the apple slices (directions below)
over top of your now finished Dutch Baby pancake...
7. Finally, garnish the top with a light sprinkling of additional cinnamon if desired...

Apples:
1. While your Dutch Baby Pancake is baking inside the oven get to work on your apples; first by coring 1 apple,
cutting it in half and then slicing that half into thin pieces...
2. In a seperate pan or skillet, melt your butter and add your apple slices. Cook for 1 or 2 minutes...
3. Now sprinkle over top of your apples the sugar substitute you're using and the cinnamon, then continue
cooking for 2-5 minutes more-or until apple slices soften and turn golden brown...
4. If you feel your apples are dry you can add 1 to 2 tablespoons of apple cider or additional butter to create more of a topping-though
this adds to the overall calorie content...