Sweet Cream Protein Pancakes

Sweet Cream Protein Pancakes – these fluffy cakes have an unique ingredient that gives them a creamy flavor and an extra bump of protein – yum!

I have a bone to pick. (guh, I had a boyfriend’s father say that to me in high school… I think of that every time I hear this phrase…)

It’s about Groupon.

I like the idea of Groupon, so no, it’s not about them exactly. My complaint is about the business owners who complain, declaring Groupon was the reason for lost revenues and increased costs, not making payroll, losing customers.

I’m sorry, if you cannot calculate simple forecasting, cannot come up with a successful offering, Don’t Offer A Groupon. It really is that simple.

Isn’t it?

A couple years ago, I tried (for quite a while) to come up with a spa Groupon that my clients AND staff would like, that might bring in new clients, that might make us some money. I even tried to create one where I was able to cover payroll and supplies, and just break even (knowing that my staff was highly skilled and new clients would stay). I was not able to come up with anything agreeable, so we never offered one.

In this process, however, I learned of the many aspects I could incorporate into my deal: I could limit the amount sold. I could structure it for specific times of day, and even specific days. I was in complete control of the price, offer, everything.

So I have to give a side eye to those who complain Groupon ruined their business. This may sound harsh, but I have to disagree. It was more likely someone too quick to commit to contract without educating themselves on the details. Groupon was not responsible for the inability to make payroll, to provide good customer service to those customers with a groupon (and lets face it, most likely all customers).

The Groupon plan is a detailed one, and it’s not the best for every business. The (quarter?) amount of money these businesses see up front is undoubtedly enticing – enough that all the other details may not even be considered. I don’t mean to sound offensive – I feel for some of these businesses, I really do! I have run a couple myself, and definitely know what lean feels like on a balance sheet.

I am selective when I buy Groupons, for this reason. I have been refunded more than once on a groupon because the establishment could not handle the business – this has happened with restaurants, spas, boot camps. A year ago we walked into a restaurant and in lieu of a greeting we were asked “do you have a groupon, it does not cover the specials menu”. With such a warm reception, we happily left (this was to be a new restaurant to us – we have never returned and do not plan to).

Hmm. I think I have a new bone to pick. It’s about people not being accountable.

Groupons can and do work, for some. We have a favorite restaurant in Portland that offers them every quarter or so. We always purchase them and we are always happy we did. I buy Groupons offered by businesses I already patronize and for services I would be using anyway.

I have no complaint about these pancakes, not at all. I am fully accountable for how awesome these are, how they make a filling breakfast (I rarely eat breakfast pancakes because I’m hungry an hour later…), how easy they are to make. Sweet cream, for real.

I would totally buy a Groupon for these pancakes.

Sweet Cream Protein Pancakes

egg, soy, dairy and gluten free, vegan

makes 8 regular size pancakes

INGREDIENTS:

1/2 cup raw cashews
1 cup So Delicious coconut milk
1/4 cup gluten free all purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon xanthan gum
1 (less than 1/4 cup) scoop vanilla protein powder (Sunwarrior Classic vanilla)
sweetener (as needed)

INSTRUCTIONS:

Combine cashews and milk in high speed blender, blend on highest speed to a smooth liquid. In mixing bowl, whisk together flour, xanthan gum and protein powder. Pour cashew milk mixture into dry ingredients, whisk until just combined. Using 1/4 cup scoop, form pancakes onto prepared (buttered, sprayed) griddle over medium heat. Pancakes will not bubble, will easily come up to turn after less than one minute. Flip and cook another half minute or so, until cooked through.

I am not affiliated with Groupon in any way – just an occasional customer.

*Jumps down off rant box* go about your business now – make some pancakes 😉

Are you a Groupon fan? Have you been on the other end of the Groupon, from a business point of view?

printable recipe: