Give the gift of a great (and healthy) breakfast

FLAXSEED PANCAKES OR WAFFLES

Wrapped tightly in plastic, these pancakes and waffles also freeze nicely, so consider making a double batch.

Start to finish: 10 to 15 minutes

Makes 6 large (3 1/2- to 4-inch) or 12 small (1 1/2- to 2-inch) pancakes, or 4 large waffles (depending on the manufacturer's instructions)

2 tablespoons unsalted butter or 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

1 cup milk

1 large egg

1 1/2 cups flaxseed pancake and waffle mix

Freshly cut fruit or berries and pure maple syrup, to serve

If using butter, in a small saucepan over medium heat, cook the butter until it is light brown in color and has a nutty in aroma. If using oil, skip to the next step of the recipe.

In a medium bowl, whisk the milk and egg. Add the pancake mix, then mix with a spoon, stirring just until the ingredients are combined. Stir in the browned butter or oil.

To make pancakes, heat a large nonstick skillet brushed with oil or coated with cooking spray over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat to medium and ladle either 1/4 cup or 1/8 cup portions of the batter into the pan (depending on whether you want large or small pancakes). Let the pancakes cook for 1 to 2 minutes, or until small bubbles appear on the surface. Flip, then cook for another 1 to 2 minutes, or until golden on the second side.

Pancakes can be kept warm in a 200 F oven while remaining batter is cooked.

To make waffles, heat the waffle iron according to product directions. Lightly coat the cooking surfaces with cooking spray.

Spoon out 3/4 cup batter (or the amount recommended by the manufacturer) onto the hot iron. Using a rubber spatula, smooth the batter to within 1/4 inch of the edge. Close the lid and cook until browned and crisp. Repeat with remaining batter, coating the cooking surface between waffles with additional cooking spray only if they begin to stick.

Waffles can be kept warm in a 200 F oven while remaining batter is cooked.

Serve the pancakes or waffles with fruit and maple syrup.

Nutrition information per large pancake: 200 calories; 80 calories from fat (40 percent of total calories); 9 g fat (3.5 g saturated; 0 g trans fats); 45 mg cholesterol; 23 g carbohydrate; 4 g fiber; 3 g sugar; 7 g protein; 310 mg sodium.

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EDITOR'S NOTE: Sara Moulton was executive chef at Gourmet magazine for nearly 25 years, and spent a decade hosting several Food Network shows. She currently stars in public television's "Sara's Weeknight Meals" and has written three cookbooks, including "Sara Moulton's Everyday Family Dinners."