I really love to learn about grains and the health benefits of different grains and flours.  Cassava is the plant that tapioca is made.  Cassava is grown in the tropical and subtropical regions of the world.  Cassava has an ample amount of dietary fiber and is gluten-free.  This carbohydrate rich food serves as an excellent source of energy and provides fuel to keep your brain functioning properly.  Each serving gives you 79.8 grams if carbohydrates or 61% of the 130 grams recommended for daily consumption by the Institute of medicine. It is neutral and mild in flavor and is a perfect substitute for wheat flour.  It is packed with calcium, phosphorus, manganese, magnesium, Vitamin A and C, and beta-carotene.   Each serving boasts 1.6g of protein.  If Cassava is a flour that you are going to use a lot of, supplement your diet with protein rich foods to meet the suggested intake of 46-56g per day. Some of the other benefits of Cassava are: rich in carbohydrates, aids in healthy skin and hair, aids in prevention of diabetes by being low in glycemic index when cooked, and aids in weight loss.  Wherever white flour is used, cassava flour can be substituted.  It also balances blood sugar level.  

I am always in awe of the amazing plants and natural foods that we have access to.  I always say, knowledge is power.  Enjoy these crepes and I challenge you to discover and learn about new grains this upcoming 2021.  I am sure you will have some new favorites that you will want to implement into your diet regularly.  What I also love about this recipe is that with slight substitutions, this recipe can also be vegan if desired.  All of these ingredients are available at Kitchen Kneads.  Enjoy and Happy New Year!!

Strawberry Chia Jam:

2 pounds of strawberries, washed, stemmed, and quartered

1/4 cup of maple syrup

2 tsp lemon juice

1/4 cup chia seeds

In a medium saucepan combine strawberries, maple syrup, and lemon juice.  Cook on medium low for 5-7 minutes and mashing strawberries as they begin to cook.  When strawberries are softened and mashed, turn off heat.  Add chia seed and continue to stir for 1 minute.  Place in refrigerator for 30 minutes.  Jam will thicken as it cools.

Vanilla Cassava Crepes: Makes 12 crepes

1 cup cassava flour

2 eggs (or vegan alternative)

1 cup milk of choice

1 cup water

2 T. coconut oil, melted

½ teaspoon vanilla bean powder or ½ teaspoon clear vanilla

Pinch of salt

To make crepes, place all crepe ingredients in a large mixing bowl.  Use a hand mixer to mix for 1 minute.  The consistency should be very thin batter. Cover and place in refrigerator for 30 minutes to rest.

Heat a crepe pan over medium heat.  Once hot, lift the pan up, scoop ¼ cup of batter into the center of the pan and quickly swirl the pan to coat the bottom.  Place the pan back on the heat and cook for 1-2 minutes.  Once the top of the crepe looks dry, flip it over and cook an additional 30-45 seconds.

Place the crepe on a paper towel and repeat the process until all crepes are made.

To Assemble the crepes:

Place a crepe on a plate.  Spoon a thin layer of strawberry chia jam (2T.) onto a crepe.  Fold it in half, then half again.  Top with whipped topping of choice, either dairy or coconut and top with jam and chopped and toasted nuts of choice.  I also added a dollop of Greek yogurt for extra protein.

These crepes can be individualized by your tastes and preferences.  Be Creative and Enjoy!!

Sources:  downshifology.com, benefitsanduses.com, healthfully.com, spoonuniversity.com