This Protein Pancake recipe is perfect for breakfast if you really want to make sure you get an adequate dose of protein during the first meal of the day. They utilize your choice of just the right amount of hemp protein powder or soy flour and feature chopped walnuts to further increase the protein ante and add to the flavor department. Cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger give these vegan pancakes a satisfying flavor that goes great with a splash of maple syrup (or fresh berries if you're hyperventilating at the idea of consuming too much sugar).

3 ¼ cups soy milk
2 Tablespoons golden flax meal
2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 ¾ cups whole wheat flour
¾ cups hemp protein powder or soy flour
2 Tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon nutmeg
½ teaspoon ginger

1/3 cup canola oil

¾ cup walnuts, chopped

1)
In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy milk, golden flax meal, apple cider vinegar and vanilla extract.  Let it sit for about 10 minutes so the soy milk curdles.

2)
In a large bowl whisk together the whole wheat flour, soy flour, sugar, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, salt, nutmeg and ginger.

3)
Whisk the canola oil into the non-dairy milk and flax meal mixture from Step 1 then whisk the mixture into the large bowl containing the flour mixture and mix until fully incorporated. Stir in the chopped walnuts.

4)
Grease a griddle or a large iron skillet with canola oil. If you're using a non-stick surface forego the greasing process. The surface is ready for pancakes when water flicked on it sizzles. Using a ladle, drop about 1/3 cup of batter to form a pancake. When small bubbles appear, flip the pancake with a spatula. A thin steel spatula with a large surface area works well. Let the pancakes cook for at least another 2 minutes on the other side or until golden. Do not press down on pancakes with the spatula.

Pancakes keep for up to 5 days in an airtight container in the fridge and can be easily heated in a toaster. 
Makes about 12 pancakes.