For a protein-rich, low-sugar alternative to American pancakes try these chocolatey little numbers. Ideal for weekend brunch.

Serves: makes 20

Ingredients:

• 120g protein oats or plain oats
• 50g PhD woman Chocolate Cookie Exercise Support (protein powder)
• 5 egg whites
• 2 eggs
• 30ml semi-skimmed milk
• 10g Green and Blacks cocoa
• 1 teaspoon (6g) agave nectar
• 1teaspoon (1g) chocolate extract
• 1teaspoon (6g) Baking powder
• 125g Quark (fat-free soft cheese)
• 50g chocolate chips

Method:

1. Combine all ingredients except the chocolate chips together in a bowl and mix with a stick blender or in a blender.

2. Stir in the chocolate chips.

3. Heat up a non-stick frying pan and drop in a heaped tablespoon of the mixture to make the pancakes – each pancake should be about 7-8 cm in diameter.

4. Cook until the edges start to curl and bubbles appear.

5. Flip over and cook for another 2 minutes.

PhD woman’s Exercise Support is available from www.phd-woman.co.uk