📖 Instructions

1. First, roast your sweet potato: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Prick a medium sweet potato a few times with a fork and bake for 45-60 minutes, or until it's very soft. Let it cool slightly, then scoop out the flesh. You should have about 1 cup. A lil’ tip: you can also microwave it for faster results, but baking brings out the sweetness.
2. Next, blend the wet ingredients: In a blender or food processor, combine the cooked sweet potato, cottage cheese (I use low-fat, but full-fat works too, for extra richness!), eggs, milk (any kind will do!), vanilla extract, and a splash of maple syrup (just a little for extra flavor). Blend until completely smooth. Trust me, you want this batter super smooth – no one wants chunks of cottage cheese in their pancakes!
3. Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour (I usually use all-purpose, but whole wheat or a gluten-free blend works well), protein powder (whey or plant-based, your choice!), baking powder, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Make sure to get rid of any lumps!
4. Combine wet and dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently stir until just combined. Don't overmix! A few lumps are okay; it’s better to have slightly lumpy batter than tough pancakes. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, leading to less-than-ideal results.
5. Heat the griddle: Heat a lightly oiled griddle or frying pan over medium heat. I usually use coconut oil or butter, but any cooking oil will work. To test if the griddle is hot enough, flick a few drops of water onto it – they should sizzle and evaporate quickly.
6. Pour and cook: Pour 1/4 cup of batter onto the hot griddle for each pancake. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Flip when bubbles start to form on the surface. Be patient and don’t crank up the heat too high, or you’ll end up with burnt outsides and raw insides. Nobody wants that!
7. Serve and enjoy: Serve immediately with your favorite toppings. I love these with fresh berries, chopped pecans, and a drizzle of pure maple syrup (the real stuff is worth it!). A dollop of Greek yogurt or whipped cream is also a delicious addition. Get creative and have fun!