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Boundary Waters Quetico Forum :: BWCA Food and Recipes :: Favorite Pancake Mix?
 
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Jackfish
05/10/2010 01:15PM
 
For you Krusteaz users, do you bring the box and measure the amounts in camp, or do you pre-measure and pre-bag at home?

Half the reason I buy the Betty Crocker pouches is because they're in a pouch. Easy to pack, already measured... it's simple. If Krusteaz makes a NOTICEABLY better pancake than Betty Crocker, I'd be willing to give it a try.
 
bojibob
05/10/2010 10:42AM
 
Krusteaz Buttermilk. Just add Water. Once you try them you will never buy anything else.













Krusteaz
 
Spartan2
05/10/2010 11:52AM
 
i also am a Krusteaz fan. Never use anything else. Just add water.


Used to always have the Oat Bran one, but cannot find it anymore, so I get the Wheat and Honey. Mmmmm.
 
Springer2
05/10/2010 03:26PM
 
Natural High Six-Grain Pancakes with Apples and Spice.

 
mc2mens
05/10/2010 04:27PM
 
quote Springer2: "Natural High Six-Grain Pancakes with Apples and Spice.
"



Springer2 - it looks like you're cooking on top of a kevlar canoe there. We've done it on top of an aluminum canoe many times. Is it a kevlar canoe and do you feel safe with stoves on top of it?
 
Bannock
05/10/2010 04:46PM
 
I used to be a big fan of Krusteaz pancake mix. Then it was Sturdi-Wheat. Now I like cheap, ol', generic pancake mix. I'm of the mind now that as long as it is add-water-only, and made in the BWCA, it's great.


I prepack at about one cup per person, but I do bring extra. It makes a good fish batter and it's nice to have extra if wind bound. It also makes a passable cake.


I also sometimes like to make extra at breakfast. I add a little more water to make them thinner. Then I save them for lunch as a bread substitute. Smear it with jelly and roll it up. it's good.
 
lilcowdoc
05/10/2010 07:54PM
 
Sounds like a Boundary Waters crepe there Bannock! MMmm good idea!
 
jeroldharter
05/10/2010 11:24PM
 
I am a pancake snob. No "six grain" pancakes for me, sorry. And no half inch thick bricks either. I have tried all of the major mixes (that I am aware of) including Bisquick, Betty Crocker, Hungry Jack, Krusteaz, the various plastic shaker mixes, Sturdiwheat, etc. None are as good as I can make myself. But, the winner is something I cannot buy locally. I have a friend in Texas and he uses Pioneer mix which browns well, is not too sweet, is not too crumbly or cake like, is not too thick, is not too grainy, etc. And it is just add water. He is coming up for a trip the first week of June armed with plenty of Pioneer pancake mix.


Pioneer Pancake Mix
 
sst6313
05/11/2010 12:55AM
 
Sturdiwheat..all flavors,I just stopped at my local grocery store and picked up 3 bags on Friday night..love them for at home too! I do want to try jeroldharter recipe below..
 
lilcowdoc
05/10/2010 07:51PM
 
I like Sturdi-wheat. And as it turns out, if you take tooooo much pancake mix and also take spices on the trip, you can turn pancake mix into Italian bread for spaghetti!
 
Jackfish
05/11/2010 07:07AM
 
quote jeroldharter: "I am a pancake snob. "
That is a big time LMAO.

I hope you're only pouring the finest pure maple syrup over those snobby pancakes. Aunt Jemimah or Log Cabin would be well down the page in the pancake eaters social register.
 
Northwoodsman
05/11/2010 08:23AM
 
Pioneer is good. I'm a fan of all Krusteaz products. They make nice muffin mixes also. By the way you can make pancakes out of various flavored muffin mixes. If you find "add water only" varieties you can combine them with "add water only" pancake mixes to make them go farther. I have never measured pancake mix. Just add water until it is the right consistency. The trick to making light and fluffy pancakes, is to not over mix the batter (same rule applies to muffins). Stir it around a few times just to make a semi-smooth batter. Let it sit for 2 minutes. Small lumps will disappear. Add it to the pan or griddle without "beating it" again.
 
Spartan2
05/11/2010 08:47AM
 
I, too, make pancakes out of muffin mixes. One of our favorite breakfasts is cornmeal pancakes, made with a cornmeal muffin mix. For that one I add an egg and some powdered milk, and some melted butter. And more water than the muffins would require, to make it pancake batter consistency.


I used to use a Jiffy oatmeal muffin mix and add a little cinnamon and some chopped pecans to make oatmeal-pecan pancakes that were terrific with maple syrup but Jiffy no longer makes the mix and I haven't found a substitute yet. I am going to try making my own recipe.


I do crepes at home all of the time but haven't wanted to bother with them outdoors. I also prefer my pancakes a bit "eggy" and less like cake so crepes are my real preference, but when camping I prefer the convenience of a "just add water" mix.
 
HowardSprague
04/30/2022 09:27AM
 
I like Krusteaz and I like Sturdiwheat. Sturdiwheat I have to buy online or when in Ely.
Is there a real maple syrup that doesn’t come in a glass bottle? I’m ok with the commercial “maple syrups” and a squeeze Parkay type substance for trips. But I’m just as fine with honey as well, especially if I just picked some blueberries to go in the pancakes!
 
straighthairedcurly
04/30/2022 09:57AM
 
HowardSprague: "Is there a real maple syrup that doesn’t come in a glass bottle? "


If you want some pre-packaged version in non-glass bottles:


Maple Energy


mini bottles


Otherwise, just I just use a small Nalgene with screw cap.
 
campnscrap
05/19/2010 11:20AM
 
I use any of the "just add water" mixes. I like the idea of the muffin mixes for pancakes too. I'll have to try that on our upcoming trip. I also don't measure...I just add water 'til it looks to be the right consistency. We don't usually pack in syrup but have peanut butter on our pancakes. With the previous post on the differnt "butters" I'm going to try those on pancakes - lots of new ideas - I love it!
 
24kGold
05/19/2010 12:26PM
 
Krusteaz is my alltime favorite also. For something different, before you go, mix Cinnamon, nutmeg and a little Cardamom together. Add some of it to the pancake batter and it will taste like a pastry. (go light on the Cardamom and nutmeg )


Also, if you don't want to pack in syrup, take a small plastic bottle of imitation maple flavoring, melt some sugar in water and add to taste. it's thinner than maple syrup but you aren't packing in the weight.


Terry
 
scottiebaldwin
05/27/2022 06:22AM
 
bojibob: "Krusteaz Buttermilk. Just add Water. Once you try them you will never buy anything else.















Krusteaz "



+1 on Krusteaz. I’ve tried multiple brands now and Krusteaz is better than the rest. God only knows what the ingredients are. I don’t even want to look. But as far as “add only water” goes, these are your best option. Nothing holds a candle to Martha Stewart’s made-from-scratch buttermilk pancake recipe but there’s nothing better for the B’Dub than Krusteaz.
 
Jaywalker
10/02/2021 06:47PM
 
I luuuuv my pancakes in the morning! I searched around for a while and found a just add water mix that really stood out - Sturdiwheat which is a regional brand from Red Wing MN. I would mix 2 parts Sturdiwheat with one part whey powder and one part quick oats. This ups the protein and complex carbs so it just last longer in your stomach.


Starting this year I’ve had a hard time finding Sturdiwheat. I tried Kodiak which is moving onto the shelves but was very disappointed. In fact, I was so disappointed in it after my last trip I vowed to drive to Red Wing if I have to to find Sturdiewheat.
 
Jackfish
05/09/2010 12:42PM
 
You're going to get all brands offered here, but we buy the Betty Crocker pouches because they pack easy and are simple to use. Just add water, stir well and pour into the fry pan.

Each pouch makes three larger-size flapjacks so with our typical group of six, we'll pack three pouches per meal. With some pre-cooked bacon, a large flapjack and a half is more than enough for a hearty breakfast.

Betty Crocker Complete Pancake mix
 
sloughman
05/09/2010 02:23PM
 
Jackfish is right, make sure its a just-add-water. To me they taste as good as the ones that need milk and eggs.
 
mc2mens
05/10/2010 12:25PM
 
quote bojibob: "Krusteaz Buttermilk. Just add Water. Once you try them you will never buy anything else.

















Krusteaz "



what he said.
 
Chrisko
08/24/2021 11:03AM
 
Best pancakes in the world - IMO. Of course, even better when using Jim's (Jean, the baker's husband, and occasional fishing guide) own maple syrup. Just enjoyed a week of them each morning at the breakfast table in Fargo - delivering meals to the cabins last year and this year due to Covid. Ended up on this forum after my google search for Boyd's Mason Lake Pancake Recipe! Back home only 3 days now and itching for my Boyd's pancake fix (and I am not generally a pancake lover). I'd pay a lot for that recipe! Maybe I'll reach out to Kris to see if she'll share it. . .
 
Hammertime
09/13/2021 09:20PM
 
Any just add water brand that is on the shelf at target has always been a hit.


What really makes them tick is the add ins. I highly recommend squeeze butter, real maple syrup and adding rehydrated blueberries. We get our blueberries from Packit gourmet.
 
Blackdogyak
01/03/2022 11:54PM
 
Jackfish: "quote jeroldharter: "I am a pancake snob. "
That is a big time LMAO.


I hope you're only pouring the finest pure maple syrup over those snobby pancakes. Aunt Jemimah or Log Cabin would be well down the page in the pancake eaters social register."



Oh mos DEF!
Real Vermont maple.or nothing
 
Blackdogyak
01/03/2022 11:50PM
 
bojibob: "Krusteaz Buttermilk. Just add Water. Once you try them you will never buy anything else.





Yes! Hard to understand why a basic Ike this is so much better than other brands....but it is.










Krusteaz "

 
MarshallPrime
04/25/2022 02:34PM
 
1st of all, I do NOT like making them out there. A ton of cleanup. Syrup is everywhere and it is messy/sticky.
Take forever to cook 3 (at most) pancakes at a time.


The Shake and Pour Yellow bottles where you just add water, shake it, then pour it into the fry pan is the way to go. Way less mess. Still have to deal with the syrup mess but it helps.


I still dont like to do them.
 
MikeinMpls
04/25/2022 02:58PM
 
MarshallPrime: "1st of all, I do NOT like making them out there. A ton of cleanup. Syrup is everywhere and it is messy/sticky.
Take forever to cook 3 (at most) pancakes at a time.



The Shake and Pour Yellow bottles where you just add water, shake it, then pour it into the fry pan is the way to go. Way less mess. Still have to deal with the syrup mess but it helps.



I still dont like to do them."



Pancakes are one of my most favorite foods. However, I don't make them in camp for some of the reasons MarshallPrime listed. The syrup and butter, must-haves in my opinion, will lead to a mess. Plus, I'm just not confident in my ability to make quality cakes that won't burn, be gooey or less-than-cooked, or otherwise just not that good. I've decided to have pancakes on the drive up and/or back instead.


BUT...this year I'm trying corn cakes. I'm using Marie Callander cornbread mix. I just add water to make a thicker batter and pour it on the griddle. They're plenty sweet for my wife and I so no syrup is required. I'm not sure if I'll try to bring butter or a butter substitute.


One could ask what the difference is. To me, the corncakes appear to have a greater chance of success than pancakes. And they are more filling, so I won't need to make eight of them.


Mike
 
bombinbrian
04/26/2022 02:00PM
 
We use the high protein mix from Aldi. It also doubles as batter for fish. We're not doing pancakes this year though. I'm tired of carrying syrup and peanut butter for them
 
Spartan2
05/16/2010 06:20AM
 
I would not want to pack out the little jug, though. And for us, that makes too much, as there are just two of us. But if it works for you, that is great. For me it is easier to just have the mix all measured in a ziplock bag and add the water. I used to do it right in the bag, but now I take one of those little "disposable" Glad containers (don't bother to carry the lid along, just the little rectangular bowl--it is super-light and I fill it with stuff in my food pack so it doesn't take up any space--as a mixing bowl. Since I also make up muffins, cake mixes, corn fritters, etc. I have found having a small mixing bowl along is a convenience. The same "disposable" bowl has gone in about ten trips now. :-)
 
ron1
05/15/2010 10:02PM
 
I'm surprised no one mentioned the little jugs of mix that you add water to. We used that last year and they were delicious! I guess after a few days in the woods though, anything with butter and syrup on it goes down pretty nicely. Plus one less dish to clean.
 
Boppa
05/16/2010 09:18AM
 
I love my pancakes and although Krusteaz brand is not available to us in stores, I may be tempted to buy on-line. You make them sound delicious.


We have been using the Bisquick in the plastic jug and yes, carry the empty jug out. We like others have mentioned, will add any available berries that may be in season. We do bring at times some sliced almonds and almond extract (2-drops) to add a bit of variety. The Bisquick has been used as a fish coating and for rolls at supper time as well.


Last year we were fortunate enough to have blueberry pancakes one morning, raspberry another, almond pancakes, and yes, plain pancakes the final morning. Now that is a good trip.
Boppa
 
Springer2
05/11/2010 11:14AM
 
quote mc2mens: "quote Springer2: "Natural High Six-Grain Pancakes with Apples and Spice.
"




Springer2 - it looks like you're cooking on top of a kevlar canoe there. We've done it on top of an aluminum canoe many times. Is it a kevlar canoe and do you feel safe with stoves on top of it?"



We've used our kevlar canoes as kitchen tables for at least ten years with no problem--It's usually too windy to set the stoves up on the canoe though, but one of the first things we always do when we make camp is site the "table", with a rainfly if possible.



 
jeroldharter
05/11/2010 08:18AM
 
quote Jackfish: "quote jeroldharter: "I am a pancake snob. "
That is a big time LMAO.


I hope you're only pouring the finest pure maple syrup over those snobby pancakes. Aunt Jemimah or Log Cabin would be well down the page in the pancake eaters social register."



Real maple syrup and good butter. Simple pleasures.


Seriously, it is hard to find an excellent pancake out there. We go to a place in northern Wisconsin (name undisclosed!)that runs an American plan lodge which serves the best pancakes I have ever had. And they have not changed in over 50 years. That's not bad for consistency. They are relatively thin and more "eggy" than "cakey." They hold up well to syrup and do not dissolve or crumble. With a little butter they are heaven and you can order as many as you like. Perfect. I have never been able to replicate them. I do have a Wolf griddle (a proper griddle is necessary) and have tried different recipes, but am still inferior to those pancakes. I am going there for a long weekend this Thursday so I am getting hungry.
 
jaimed
05/12/2010 06:39AM
 
Krusteaz buttermilk mix with a drop of vanilla extract or cinnamon or nutmeg, depending on my mood.
At home I make them from scratch:
1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
2 T sugar
1 t baking power
1/2 t NaCl
1 1/2 cups fat-free buttermilk
1 T butter, melted
1 lrg egg lightly beaten

Yum, with maple syrup
 
jeroldharter
05/12/2010 08:36AM
 
quote jaimed: "Jeroldharter,


Why keep the name of a good restaurant undisclosed?"



It is not really a restaurant. It is a place called Boyd's Mason Lake Resort.


http://www.boydsmasonlakeresort.com/


It is a wonderful place for families. Good food and fishing close to home for me. Best pancakes in the world.
 
jaimed
05/12/2010 08:47AM
 
Thanks.
 
canoe212
05/12/2010 09:26AM
 
My favorite pancakes are the pancakes that YOU make. Ingredients really don't matter, as long as I didn't have to make them. :)
 
jaimed
05/12/2010 06:43AM
 
Jeroldharter,

Why keep the name of a good restaurant undisclosed?
 
Bannock
05/12/2010 12:08PM
 
quote canoe212: "My favorite pancakes are the pancakes that YOU make. Ingredients really don't matter, as long as I didn't have to make them. :)"


:) Amen!
 
BWPaddler
05/12/2010 01:38PM
 
quote Northwoodsman: "I have never measured pancake mix. Just add water until it is the right consistency."
Same here. Krusteaz brand (used to love it, now I like it). Secret - add a pouch of instant oatmeal (plain or maple sugar) to the mix and let sit a bit. If you brought bananas, add a smashed one of those too, otherwise skip that part. Makes pancakes even more moist and delicious.
 
myceliaman
05/09/2010 10:13AM
 
We are bringing in less fresh food on this trip so we can get our fish on. So there seems to be a thousand varieties of pancake batter any thoughts. I did use the boards suggestions on mashed, skillet fries and stuffing.
 
mooseplums
05/10/2010 01:19PM
 
quote bojibob: "Krusteaz Buttermilk. Just add Water. Once you try them you will never buy anything else.







Krusteaz...but with blue berries, unless of course you happen to be tripping in blue berry season.








Krusteaz "

 
Spartan2
05/10/2010 02:44PM
 
I pre-measure and pack in pint-size ziplock bags. (There are only two of us.) Have added fresh-picked blueberries if I find them up there, but not necessary, in my opinion. We have pancakes a couple times each trip.
 
brerud
05/10/2010 02:43PM
 
Krusteaz blueberry pancakes for me - just add water. I premeasure everything at home and put in zip locks - on the zip lock I write how much water to add to each one.
Our group eats breakfast later in the morning after a few hours of fishing and by then we are starving and this meal will hold us over until supper. Basically we use about a cup of dry batter per person along with a pound of bacon per 3 guys.



 
fishguts
05/10/2010 02:51PM
 
Krusteaz Blueberry Pancake Mix.... the best!
 
campnscrap
05/31/2010 08:15PM
 
We used the flavored muffin mix (just add water kind) for our trip this weekend and made pancakes. It worked out well and the kids really liked them. With the variety of flavors available to purchase it was a nice change from plain pancakes and we didn't need to use any syrup on them. It was perfect!
 
Riverhunter
09/20/2021 08:59PM
 
All you guys are missing out. Grizzly Pancake mix is by far the best I've ever had!
And they're half way healthy too!
 
HappyHuskies
09/14/2021 07:22AM
 
Wow, this is a really old thread, but I think it's a topic well worth revisiting from time to time.


In the past I've been in the "mix it yourself from scratch" camp because basic pancake mix is so easy to do. A couple of years ago I discovered Sunrise Flour Mill, here in Minnesota. Great pancake mix that use a combination of red and white wheat flour, oat flour, rye flour, wild rice flour and flax seed meal. You do need to add milk. I find it easy to prepare and delicious. If your interested it can be found here: Sunrise Flour Mill Pancake Mix
 
4keys
09/11/2021 07:24PM
 
We never have any luck making pancakes at camp. Tried different brands, used different stoves, different pans. They just don't turn out, so we don't bring them anymore. At home I make them from scratch.

 
billconner
09/12/2021 06:53AM
 
Regional brand but New Hope Mills yields a really good light and moist pancake strong in buttermilk flavor. Add egg and water. Grew up not far from their water powered mill, which I read is no longer powering the actual grinding.
 
Captn Tony
09/08/2021 11:17AM
 
I am also a Crusties fan. I measure each meal out and add cornmeal and quick oatmeal. If it’s blueberry season we will add blueberries.
 
Freeleo1
08/27/2021 06:29PM
 
I haven't tried Krusteaz so I can't say I wouldn't like it, but most just add water mixes I've tried are not as good as Pioneer baking mix with eggs and milk. We premeasure the baking mix, ova easy egg powder and nido milk powder. Then vaccum seal enough for 1 meal. All we have to add is water at camp and melted butter if desired. They are just like the ones we make at home. We usually add a little extra baking powder any time we use a premixed product. It seems to lose strength over time.