Nettle-Chia-Berry Pancakes: Ancient magic for Midwinter Nourishment (GF)

Mid January often feels like a 'between' time.  We are in the center of the winter. Square to it.  Brave faces and cold cheeks.  

The holidays are over, kids are back in school and the days are getting longer. We begin to day dream about Spring and our gardens, about a time when there is more sunlight and increasingly warm days.  Yet, there are weeks of snow and ice between ourselves and Spring's glossy green stems.

Still, we wake to frosty mornings and cold houses. Bed seems a more rational choice.  Now more than ever, it is time to bolster and nourish ourselves, to dig deep into our inner coffers and embrace afresh the opportunities winter holds.

Winter nights are so deliciously perfect for candle light and tiny rituals.  For weaving spells, through our dream time and for our future. 

Jars of beautiful dried herbs and spices await your imagination.  They are the thoroughfare to get you from here to the emerald vibrancy of spring.  The plants await the whisper of our deepest secrets and help to enact our brightest health.  We have but to ask.

One of my favorite ways to work with the magic and healing power of plants is to incorporate them into food, teas, drinks, and other deliciousness.

Nettle-Chia-Berry Pancakes
(Gluten Free)

These pancakes are a delicious, fast and simple way to receive the nourishing and strengthening power of these plants. I consider these a weekend treat. Full of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and ancient history, these pancakes are otherworldly.

Nettles: Used since the beginning of time for food and for cloth.  A plant highlighted in many folkloric tales and used magically for protection and in amulets to ward off fear and danger. Can be used in herbal baths for purification.  
As a medicinal herb it is full of Vitamins A, B's, C, D, K, E as well as chlorophyll, potassium, calcium, mangaan, acetycholine, serotonine, sulphur, iron, selenium, magnesium, chromium and zinc.  

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Chia: Named after the Mayan word meaning "strength". Used by many native and indigenous peoples for endurance and physical stamina.  Also an ancient plant used since the beginning of time. Chia lore is rich in tale after tale of miraculous recoveries from illnesses, assistance in childbirth, wound healing, soothing sore throats and more.
Chia is a tiny store house of Vitamins A, B, D, E and K. They also contain alpha-linolenic and linoleic acid, essential fatty acids and calcium, copper, iodine, iron, magnesium, manganese, niacin, phosphorus, potassium, silicon, sodium, sulfur, thiamine, and zinc.

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Recipe:

• Pancake batter of your choice. I used this.
• 1-2 Tablespoons of dried Nettles
• 1-2 Tablespoons Chia (can be used in place of eggs)
• Vanilla
• Coconut oil
• Water
• Optional: frozen or fresh berries

Mix dry ingredients with dried Nettles.
Boil water. Mix in coconut oil, chia seeds and vanilla and set aside for 5 minutes.  Pour wet mixture over the batter and stir.
Let rest 5 minutes.

Use coconut oil to coat a hot pan and cook the pancakes. When they are raw side up press the berries into the pancakes. Cook until bubbles form.

Flip the cakes and cook until done.
Top with pure, organic maple syrup, fresh organic berries and fresh basil if you are feeling wild.

Enjoy your connection to the ancient healing power of the plants. Feel the strength and vitality in your body. 

Dig into winter's spell and feed your body and spirit with sensual delights. Let me know what you discover.

All my love,
Lark