LEMON-RICOTTA HOTCAKES

The carb to protein ratio (see nutritional info below) in these hotcakes makes them diabetic-friendly. However, do not spoil that with the topping or syrup you use. Be sure to use only diabetic-friendly toppings such as fresh fruit, sugar-free syrup or a sugar-free or low sugar jam. This recipe calls for sugar. I use Splenda but left sugar in this post as the nutritional information is figured with sugar.

1 cup all-purpose flour*
3/4 teaspoon baking powder
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 eggs, separated
1 cup buttermilk
2/3 cup whole-milk ricotta cheese
2 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon grated lemon peel

1. Heat oven to 200°F. Whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, nutmeg and salt in large bowl. Whisk egg yolks, buttermilk, ricotta cheese, sugar and lemon peel in medium bowl until blended.

2. Beat egg whites in medium bowl at medium-high speed until soft peaks form. Stir ricotta mixture into flour mixture just until combined. Fold in egg whites.

3. Heat griddle or large nonstick skillet over medium heat until hot; oil griddle. Ladle batter by scant 1/4 cupful onto griddle, spreading to 4-inch rounds. Cook 2 minutes or until bubbles break surface of pancakes. Turn; cook 1 minute or until golden brown. Place in oven to keep warm while cooking remaining pancakes.

About 15 (4-inch) pancakes

PER PANCAKE: 75 calories, 2.5 g total fat (1 g saturated fat), 3.5 g protein, 9.5 g carbohydrate, 35 mg cholesterol, 160 mg sodium, .5 g fiber (if you have 2 pancakes, double the numbers, etc)
 *Even better for diabetics, use a whole-grain flour such as white whole-wheat. I never use all-purpose flour.

Note: File Photo (I recommend no more than 2 for diabetics.)