pancakes make people happy

i am still dreaming of our homemade maple syrup but we ran into a snag... the weather. in order to achieve the optimum sap flow, the night temperatures need to be blow freezing {check} + the daytime temperatures must be above freezing {not checked}. seems that old man winter has reared his ugly head this weekend + it is burrr, too cold here.

but the mission {or experiment} will continue to be top priority this week. oh please let it warm up weather gods, please!

in the meantime, i am planning ahead with homemade make-ahead + store pancake mix. here is an easy way to whip up a batch.

how to: homemade instant pancake mix
4 c all purpose flour
3 T white sugar
3 T baking powder
2 t baking soda
1/2 t salt

combine all ingredients + store in a ziploc bag until ready to use.

when ready to cook:
mix homemade mix with...
1 c milk {can sub with buttermilk}
1/2 t vanilla
1 T butter, melted
1 egg

combine egg, milk, vanilla, butter + 1 cup pancake mix in a bowl. spoon drops of 1 1/2 to 2 tablespoons onto a lightly greased hot griddle; turn when bubbles form on top of pancakes. cook until second side is golden brown.

delicious add ins: blueberries, chocolate chips, raspberries, blackberries!