Vegan Pancakes (Egg Free, Dairy Free): I am really lazy

It's hard for a mom of three active, energetic kids to be lazy.  But believe me, I am.  I find ways to wallow in my laziness and really enjoy and relish laziness.  I thought I'd list just a few ways (there are WAY more) that I live out my lazy ways.

1.  I don't go to the bathroom often.  I wrote about this on my New Year's resolution post, but it is really true.  Part of the reason I don't go is I hate standing up, walking, pulling off clothes, pulling them on again and then washing my hands.  I would just rather hold it, risk peeing in my pants than doing all that extra work.

2.  I leave clean laundry in piles.  I'm very very good at doing the laundry.  I'm constantly sorting and washing clothes and I love pushing all the buttons on the washing machine.  But I hate folding clothes.  Sometimes, I'll just leave the laundry basket full of freshly clean clothes just sitting upstairs on the landing and make everyone dress from it.  Why bother folding things when they will soon be unfolded, worn, and then needing a wash?  Makes more sense just to do it that way.

3.  I use the dishwasher to clean EVERYTHING.  I know some people are very industrious and hand wash their dishes and meticulously rinse and wash each of their cups.  I'm lazy, so I use my dishwasher for it all.  If it can fit in my dishwasher, I'll stick it in.  (I have considered on occasion, sticking myself or one of the children in there for ease of washing.)  Big pots?  I'll ram it in there.  All utensils?  Every single one that doesn't melt has a spot on the dishwashing train.  If the dishwasher is fully loaded and full, and I still have more dishes, I'll just wait until the dishwasher has finished its cycle before loading again.

4.  I make Son and Daughters do what I don't want to do.  If I can convince one of the kids to do something on my behalf I will do it.  Son still needs an escort to the bathroom, so if I can convince Daughter #1 or #2 to take him I will.  If Son pees in his pants, and he needs a new set of clothes (this is at LEAST a daily occurrence) I'm too lazy to walk upstairs to get the clothes, so I'll beg Daughters and Son to do it instead.  Sometimes no one will do it, and I'm still too lazy to get up and get the clothes so I'll just have him sit in wet pants for a while.

5.  I refuse to cook two meals to accommodate allergic son and instead insist on cooking the one thing that we can all enjoy together.  I hate double dishes, additional cleanup and more prep.  Since the Son has the lowest tolerance of foods, we eat what he eats.  The more industrious and less lazy person would probably do a double prep, but I can't do it.  I'm too lazy.

Laziness number 5 above is actually why I don't make pancakes.  Personally, I only think pancakes are okay but Daughters LOVE THEM.  Their favorite thing to ask for on the weekend is a round of pancakes, only I'm really not all that interested in making it for them because it would mean that I would make them that, and Son would have to eat something else.  But recently they had been clamoring for pancakes, so I thought that perhaps I could try modifying a pancake recipe and coming up with my own.  I initially went the route of adding a banana in place of the egg to see what kind of pancake I would get, and it was edible but not all that great.  Then I thought I'd do what I did with the Vegan Cupcakes and that was simply increase the leavening and leave out the egg.

The result- a super fluffy yummy pancake that Son thoroughly enjoyed.  The were delicious with a few blueberries sprinkled on top of the batter and everyone enjoyed them to the point that Daughters were worried that their brother was eating something that he shouldn't.  I assured them that the pancakes were vegan and they were both shocked and excited to eat.  Texturally they are a bit different - lighter and less structured if you will, but they are still really yummy.

If you're lazy like me but have someone in your family with allergies, make these pancakes, and most likely no one is going to even notice that there isn't any egg or dairy in it.

Vegan (Egg-free, Dairy Free) Pancakes
Serves 3-4 (makes about 12 3-inch pancakes)

1 cup all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled) (or 1/3 cup whole wheat flour, and 2/3 cup all purpose flour)
2 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup coconut, soy, or almond milk (I LOVE So Delicious brand coconut milk)
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional - blueberries or sliced bananas

Heat a non stick skillet over medium heat.

In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder and salt. In a large measuring cup or bowl mix together coconut milk (or other milk) vegetable oil and vanilla extract. Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients and mix well. The baking powder will make the batter sort of become bubbly and frothy. Don't worry this is normal.

Over the preheated skillet scoop the desired amount of batter onto the pan. (I use my large ice cream scoop.) Watch carefully and flip over after the bubbles stop forming, about 1-2 minutes. If you want to add blueberries or bananas add them now. Cook on the other side until golden brown.

Serve warm, with syrup.

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