Whole Wheat(ish) Banana Chocolate Chip Pancakes

Weekends are for big breakfasts, non?

Banana chocolate chip pancakes, to be exact. With real maple syrup. We're in Canada, after all, and maple syrup goes on all breakfasts, and all breakfast items, even the meat and potatoes.

What's your favourite weekend breakfast?

Ps. You'll be noticing a few changes around here in the coming weeks. I'm working hard on making the site better, and the first order of business is switching the title from how sweet it is to Leanne bakes. Now everything matches. Huzzah!

Nut-free Quinoa Granola

And now, in the category of "things that should have been posted Friday": Nut-free Quinoa Granola!

I had the honour of being a guest blogger over at Eat Yourself Skinny last Friday, sharing one of my favourite treats-- a granola I developed for those with nut allergies, like myself. It's delicious, versatile, and healthy, and I'm rarely without a jar in my fridge to sprinkle over yogurt or bring to work as a late-afternoon pick-me-up.

Check out my recipe over at Kelly's site!

Allergy-Friendly Vegan Brownies (dairy-free, egg-free, nut-free, soy-free... you get the picture)

These vegan brownies are best paired with wine, good friends, and gossip.

Baking for a get-together with my girlfriends can be a welcome challenge at times that really gets me out of my ingredient comfort zone. We have conflicting allergies -- no dairy for an intolerance and an allergy, and no dairy substitutes like margarine or shortening because of my allergies. and no nuts! -- but we persevere, and every now and then stumble upon some great favourites, like Olive Oil Chocolate Chip Cookies and now these Vegan Brownies.

Even though they lack my favourite ingredient ever (butter) they have plenty of my other favourite ingredient ever (chocolate), and the oil makes them rich and delicious. Perfect for your next party, family reunion, or quiet night alone at home.

Easy Whole Wheat Bread

I used to think baking bread took a lot of work. With all the kneading, and the waiting, I had myself convinced that it was way easier to just buy a loaf.

Now I think that going to buy bread is a lot of work. I didn't know it would be so easy and simple-- this loaf is made is just a few hours, and requires minimal effort and supervision. While I still love to experiment and make other types and loaves, this one  has become a staple in our breakfast, lunches, and dinners.