Dry pancake mix is a godsend. Just add water and voila! You have a perfect batter for fluffy, no-fuss pancakes. But pancake mix can come in handy for more than just breakfast. With a few extra ingredients, this pantry staple can be transformed into a variety of sweet and savoury dishes. Check out these 5 genius recipes that are perfect when your pantry is lacking baking staples, but you have a box of good old pancake mix.
Peanut Butter and Banana Protein Muffins
Mix 1/2 cup peanut butter, 2 mashed up ripe bananas, 1/2 cup Greek yogurt, 2 eggs and 1/2 cup sugar in a bowl. Add in 1 cup of pancake mix and stir until combined. Divide mixture into a lined muffin tin. Spoon a little extra peanut butter onto the centre of each muffin. Bake at 350F for about 12 minutes. Makes 8.
Beer Batter Chicken
Make the batter according to the instructions on the back of your box but instead of using water use a light beer like a pilsner or a lager. Cut chicken breast into 2-inch long and 1 inch thick pieces. Heat vegetable oil over medium-high in a pot so that its minimum 2 inches deep. Drip a little bit of batter into the oil to test the temperature. When the batter gets golden and crispy, your oil is ready. Dip the chicken into the beer batter and let any excess drip off. Fry chicken in the oil until golden and crispy, about 3 minutes. Place fried pieces on a paper towel lined plate. Work in small batches. This same batter method can be used for beer battered fish or vegetables.
Zucchini Fritters
Mix 1 cup of pancake mix with 1 small grated zucchini and a small grated onion. Season with a little salt. The mixture will have enough moisture to create a thick batter so you don’t need to add any water. Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat, adding a little cooking oil to coat. Make golf size portions with the mixture then flatten them into pancakes. Cook in the pan until golden and cooked through, about 3 minutes per side. Serve with Greek yogurt sprinkled with za’atar.
Easy Clafoutis
Mix 1 cup of pancake mix with 1 cup of 10% cream and 1 beaten egg. Grease a 9-inch tart pan. Arrange 1 1/2 cups of sliced strawberries (or other berries) into the pan. Pour batter over strawberries. Bake in a 350F oven until top is golden, about 45 minutes. Let cool for 15 minutes. Garnish with sliced almonds and powdered sugar.
Simple Crepes
In a blender place 1 1/2 cups of milk, 2 eggs, 1 cup of pancake mix. Blend until even. Let the mixture rest for 1 hour (or for in the fridge until ready to use). Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat. Grease with enough butter to coat the pan. Pour about 1/4 cup of batter on the pan. working quickly, hold the handle of the pan and move the batter around to coat the surface of the pan. Cook until bubbles begin to appear on the surface of the crepe, about 1-2 minutes. Flip and cook for another 30 seconds. Repeat with remaining batter. Stuff crepes with whatever you like! Nutella and strawberries, whipped cream and fresh berries, stewed apples.
Love pancakes? Take your pancake mix and use it to shake up your Saturday morning with these Pancake Recipes That Will Make You Drool.