Chocolate Banana Oat Pancakes

I feel like I get on these flavor combination kicks every once in a while. Chocolate and banana is apparently my most recent. We always have the two ingredients on hand so it is really easy to combine them into things.

I love a special breakfast on the weekends. It doesn't have to be anything special. Even bacon and eggs is special enough. It's something more than cereal or toast. Not too long ago I made these pancakes. The oats add a touch of savoriness to the generally sweet pancake and they make them really hearty without messing with the fluffy texture. A great way to start a long day of yard work (which was our punishment du jour.)

Chocolate Banana Oat Pancakes

1 C pancake mix (I like Bisquick Heart Smart)

1 small/med egg, beaten

1/2 C milk (I used skim, any fat% works)

1/3 C quick oats

1/4 C chocolate chips

1/2 tsp vanilla

1 lrg banana, roughly chopped

   Combine pancake mix, oats and chocolate chips.  Make a well in the center.  Add egg, milk and vanilla.  Slowly work dry and wet together.  Fold in banana pieces.  Let batter sit at room temp for 10 minutes.

   Scoop 1/4 of batter for each pancake.  Cook in butter or margarine over medium/med-low heat.  When little bubbles form in batter of cooking pancakes and first side is golden, flip.  Cook second side until golden brown.  It will be about 3 minutes per side. 

   Top with sugar, butter, honey, syrup, whatever you like.

   Makes 4  big pancakes, serves 2.