These pancakes get their light and airy texture from beaten egg whites and great flavor from walnuts and bananas. Skip the butter and top with a maple flavored walnut cream instead.
1/2 cup California walnuts
1/4 cup water
1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1 medium-size very ripe banana
3/4 cup milk
2 tablespoons melted butter, plus additional tablespoon for skillet
1/3 cup liquid egg whites
1 cup flour
2 tablespoons sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup chopped California walnuts
To prepare Maple Walnut Cream, place all ingredients in a small food processor and process until light and fluffy.
Mash banana with a fork in a large bowl and stir in milk and melted butter. Stir together dry ingredients in a medium bowl and stir into banana mixture, being careful to not overmix. (A few small lumps are ok.)
Beat egg whites until stiff peaks form in a medium bowl. Working in 3 batches, lightly fold into batter, folding just until egg whites are incorporated.
Coat a very large skillet with 1/2 tablespoon melted butter or nonstick cooking spray and set over medium-low heat. Scoop about 1/4 cup batter into skillet for each pancake. Cook until very bubbly on the surface, then turn and cook for 30 seconds more.
Serve immediately with Maple Walnut Cream.