Pancakes, muffins and waffles--oh, my!

When I make pancakes, I like it over with as quickly as possible.  I also want them as nutritious as possible with as much whole grain as I can get--so a pancake mix with white flour off the shelf isn't my first choice.  My favorite recipe is for a Basic Multipurpose Mix.  When I make this ahead of time I can have pancakes on the table in five minutes or less.  Here is the recipe:


9 c. Flour (I like to use 100% whole wheat, but you can use 1/2 white, 1/2 whole wheat or even all white)
1/3 c. Baking Powder
1 c. + 2 Tablespoons Milk Powder
4 teaspoons Salt
1 3/4 c. Shortening (don't substitute with oil--I've tried it and they don't turn out as well)

Mix together dry ingredients.  Cut in shortening until it resembles coarse cornmeal.  It may be stored at room temperature for up to six weeks. Yield: 13 cups mix.  (If you double this recipe when you make it, only mix in 1/2 the flour with the dry ingredients, do everything else and then mix in the other 1/2 of the flour.  That way everything can get well mixed before your mixer gets too full.  I have a Bosch, and can--if I do it like I just mentioned--do a double batch).

Biscuits:  2 cups mix and 1/2 cup water.  Add liquid to mix and stir 20-25 times.  Knead gently on lightly floured board about 14 times.  Roll out to 1/2" thickness.  Cut out.  Place on ungreased baking sheet.  Bake at 425 F for 10 - 12 minutes.

Pancakes and Waffles: 2 cups mix, 2 cups water and 1 teaspoon sugar (I never add the sugar).  Stir about 25 times (not smooth).  Bake on preheated griddle or waffle iron.  For pancakes turn when bubble appear on surface.  NOTE:  I just eyeball it when I make pancakes--just get it the right consistency.

Muffins:  Ok, so I do use this to make muffins but I don't have an exact recipe.  Roughly it is 2 cups mix, 1 cup water and any other ingredients I want.  If I am making sweet muffins I will also add 1/2 cup sugar and then apples and cinnamon, or lemon juice and blueberries.  For savory muffins, like herb & cheese I just throw in any ingredients for the flavor only.

For dinner tonight we are going to have pancakes--a great, fun, Friday meal!

Homemaker