A Blissful Bites Review , Giveaway and Pumpkin Spice Pancakes

I was lucky enough to receive a review copy of Christy Morgan's book Blissful Bites.  I have spent the last several weeks making recipes from the book (results pictured throughout) and was even lucky enough to meet up with Christy in New York City for her book tour event  and a great meal at Candle 79. And, she was nice enough to allow me to share her recipe for Pumpkin Spice Pancakes, which were just awesome!


                                     Pumpkin Spice Pancakes

Before we get to the recipe though, let's talk a little bit about the book itself. Visually stunning, it is packed with colorful, vibrant  photos.  There is lots of information, too- you will read about why Christy chooses  not cook with garlic and onions, tips on essential kitchen tools, cooking and cutting techniques and how you can find your bliss eating whole foods, simply prepared.


                               Lemon Dill Green Beans

There are over 175 recipes and they are arranged by category first (breakfast/brunch, appetizers/soups, salads/dressings,vegetable sides, whole grains/carbs, sea vegetables, proteins and desserts) and then, with the exception of the sea vegetable section, by season, making it easy to cook with what is fresh for the season you are in. There are also sample menus which are quite helpful.  I sampled recipes from different seasons, and found all of them quite flavorful and easy to prepare.


                                         Black-eyed Pea BBQ Stew

I made several of the recipes at home and tried a few at Christy's event. I enjoyed them all. I made them exactly as written, without garlic and onions,  and found them to be quite flavorful.  While I can't say I will adopt a no garlic and onion policy in my kitchen (heck, I know I won't!) it is good to know you can cook savory foods without them that still taste good!


                                             Man n' Kale Salad

As you can see from the photos the food is delicious. As someone who almost never uses a cookbook this is one I would recommend. The recipes are well written, easy to follow, not overly complicated, flavorful and healthy.  Sounds like a pretty good combination to me.


                                          Magical Raw Tacos

I am also offering one or my readers a chance to win their own copy of Blissful Bites! Simply let me know in the comments section why you would like to give the book a try and I will enter you to win. Please be sure to leave an email address where you can be contacted!


                                   Curried Sweet Potato and Carrot Soup

And, if you tweet the following you will be entered to win a second time:

@VeganVersion Please enter me to win a copy of @TheBlissfulChef Blissful Bites! http://www.theveganversion.com/2012/03/blissful-bites-review-and-giveaway.html 

I will pick a winner on Saturday March 31st. Good luck!



Now, on to that pancake recipe!

Pumpkin Spice Pancakes

1/2 cup whole wheat four
1/2 cup all purpose flour
2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
Pinch sea salt
1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
1 tbsp maple syrup
1 1/2 cups unsweetened almond milk (I love the new So Delicious Original Almond Plus)
1/3 cup canned organic pumpkin
1 tbsp olive oil
Cooking oil spray for pan

Mix together the flours, baking powder, baking soda, sea salt and pumpkin pie spice in a bowl. In a second bowl combine the maple syrup, almond milk, pumpkin and olive oil.  Pour the wet ingredients into the dry.  Mix thoroughly until no lumps remain.

Heat a griddle or skillet over medium heat.  Once pan is nice and hot pour pancake batter in 1/4 cup measurements into the pan. Be careful not to crowd them so they do not run together.  When the sides begin to get firm and you start to see bubbles in the batter flip the cakes and cook for a few more minutes.

Move pancakes to a plate and repeat with the remaining batter.

Serve with maple syrup and some vegan butter (if desired).