Homemade Cornmeal Griddle Pancake Mix

A couple years ago we went camping with another couple.  We were sharing cooking responsibilities for the weekend to make it easier for everyone.  We offered to make Sunday breakfast, and were excited about the menu:  buttermilk blueberry pancakes, bacon, warm buttery maple syrup and pipping hot coffee.  You have no idea how excited we were about this meal, it was sure to “wow” everyone not to mention filling our bellies with hot breakfast grub.

Sleepy eyed, the next morning, we went to the car to get the bag of ingredients to start cooking.  We had been talking about this meal the night before, and everyone was hungry.  We could barely wait to start cooking and eating.  It was odd as I reached for the hatch at the back of the car;  it was slightly un-done.  Who got into the car late at night?   As I put my hand into the bag, grabbing around for the mix, something did not feel right.  Where was the mix? Did we really drink that much wine the night before that we did not remember where the breakfast goods went?  Crap!  Slowly as I looked down at the ground, I saw a trail of pancake mix going into the woods ……..  Breakfast was not going to be happening as someone/something had already eaten breakfast.

When preparing for a recent camping trip it was decided that we would try to recreate this special breakfast but for two.  Instead of buying a prepared package of pancake mix, I wanted to make our own.  Our friend Evelyn makes amazing cornmeal pancakes. No, I mean amazing as in REALLY OMG Amazing.  Dollar sized, texture rich pancakes smothered in butter and maple syrup. They have become a camping staple for us.  Served with crispy and smokey bacon and hot bourbon syrup, they make the perfect camping companion.  I changed around her recipe and came up with a great cornmeal pancake mix that is easy to transport and easy to use.  I mix the dry ingredients in a large mason jar and keep it on hand for when we decide we want a little breakfast treat or if we are going camping I add the jar to our camping gear.  Easy to mix up with the addition of a little milk, an egg and some melted butter. We like to serve the pancakes with fresh blueberries and hot bourbon maple syrup.

Now you can stop buying that pre-made pancake mix and whip up a batch of this delicious mix to have on hand.  It is simple to do, lighter on your wallet and delicious to eat.

Recipe:  Cornmeal Griddle Cake Mix

• 3/4 cup corn meal, we like medium grain
• 1 1/4 cup ap flour
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt

In a large mason jar or other storage container, add all of the dry ingredients.  Close the lid.  Shake to mix.  Make pancakes. Serve.  Eat.

Recipe:  Griddle Cakes

* serves 4 hungry people, or 2 really hungry people

• 1 cup mix
• 1 1/8 cup milk
• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon butter, melted and cooled

In a mixing bowl add the dry mix.  In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, egg and butter.  Add to the dry ingredients and stir, just to combine.  If you like a thinner pancake add a little more milk.  Heat your griddle over medium heat, coat with a thin amount of butter, add a 1/4 cup pancake mix.  Once bubbles have formed, flip the pancake over, continue to cook until golden brown;  about 2 minutes.  Continue making pancakes until the mix is gone.  Serve.  Eat.