Fall Themed Brunch

Remember how I told you I have become obsessed with pumpkin? Well... the craze continues. Before I left for New York B and I had a full out "fall" themed brunch, with chocolate chip-pumpkin protein pancakes as the main event. I don't even love pancakes but I loved these. And talk about healthy/easy. We snacked on almond butter-banana bites, and maple glazed turkey bacon, sipped on pumpkin pie lattes and really just enjoyed the beginning of a lovely season. I hope this inspires you to revel in a delicious brunch this weekend, and after reading below I'm sure all you'll want to do is stay in your comfiest pjs and enjoy a lazy, but perfect, Sunday morning indoors (the delicious pumpkin/cinnamon scent that will fill the kitchen is an added bonus). Here's how to do it: 

The main: Chocolate Chip Protein Pancakes

makes 6 pancakes

Ingredients:

1/3 cup pumpkin purée

2 tablespoons flour

1/4 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon ginger

1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

3 tablespoons chocolate chips of choice

1 heaping scoop of vanilla protein powder

2 eggs

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract 

Directions:

1. In a bowl combine all ingredients in order listed above
2. Spray skillet and heat on medium 
3. Pour batter and cook on medium/low heat
4. Flip when necessary
5. *Heat oven to 200 degrees and put cooked pancakes in oven to keep warm while finishing the batch/preparing the rest of the brunch 
6. Serve with maple syrup, agave, or honey and a sprinkle of icing sugar 

The extras: Banana-Almond Butter Bites

1. Slice up 1 banana 
2. Drop a teaspoon of almond butter on top of each banana slice
3. Sprinkle chia seeds 

Maple Glazed Turkey Bacon (found in Gwyneth Paltrow's "It's All Good" Cookbook)

1. Heat oven to 400 degrees, or put on broiler
2. Wisk together 1 tablespoon maple syrup and 1 tablespoon mustard (amount for 6 slices, double measurements for more bacon)
3. Lay turkey bacon on foil lined cookie sheet and brush half the glaze onto turkey slices
4. Broil for 2-4 minutes, flip turkey and glaze other side
5. Broil for another 2 minutes, and serve immediately

A side of fresh berries and a greek yogurt parfait compliments any brunch. And, don't forget these Pumpkin Cookies and Pumpkin Pie Latte . Enjoy!

Ideas for a Valentine's Day themed brunch can be found here.