Coconut Bacon & Chocolate Chip Pancakes

Coconut Bacon & Chocolate Chip Pancakes

Yep. Yesterday, this happened. We couldn't decide what to have for breakfast and we were out of the usual- beans and rice and potato breakfast bowls, covered in cumin and avocado.  So we got creative; and by we, I mean Alex. Sometimes he pushes food boundaries justttt far enough, into deliciousness. I always underestimate his food imagination. This time though, it led us straight to rich, smoky, chocolatey pancakes- and that was before we added maple syrup to the equation. As they were cooking, we were drooling. Perfectly golden pancakes with melty chocolate and sprinkled with salty coconut bacon? Yeah, okay, Alex won this one. Maybe I'll start trusting his food cravings more often.

We always keep a jar of coconut bacon handy. Its one of the most popular recipes on our site, and we use it on everything- sandwiches, salads, ice cream, and now pancakes. We're hooked! Its the perfect substitute for anything 'bacon'-y, saves real baby piglets AND is totally cholesterol free- what's not to love? Plus, if you make a whole batch of coconut bacon and use only enough for this recipe, you can save your un-used coconut bacon in an airtight container indefinitely in the fridge or pantry. If it gets a bit soft overtime, simply bake it for a few minutes in the oven to re-crisp it, and GO! Now, let's eat!

Ingredients:
1 1/4 cup gluten-free all purpose flour OR whole wheat flour
2 tablespoons organic sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon xantham gum (only if using GF flour)
1 1/4 cup water
1 tablespoon melted coconut oil
1/4 cup chocolate chips OR chopped bar chocolate
1/4- 1/2 cup coconut bacon

Instructions:
First, if necessary, prepare a batch (or 1/2 batch) of coconut bacon. (You can buy it online, but you save TONS of money making it yourself and you'll have leftovers!). Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt and xantham, if using. Stir together, then use the spoon or whisk to form a well in the center of the dry ingredients, pushing the flour mixture to the outsides of the bowl. Pour in the water and oil and whisk together completely. (If batter seems a bit thin, add a little flour. If batter seems a bit thick, add a little more water.) Once batter is ready, mix in chocolate chips. 
Heat a greased skillet over medium. Pour 1/4 cups of batter onto the skillet, and sprinkle with coconut bacon. Gently pour a little bit more batter (about a tablespoon) over the coconut bacon layer, and let cook until bubbles form and edged begin to crisp. Flip pancakes once, allowing the bottom side to cook until golden before removing from the skillet and serving. Makes about 6 medium sized pancakes. Serve with maple syrup (the real stuff!) and a little vegan butter, and enjoy!

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