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Boundary Waters Quetico Forum :: BWCA Food and Recipes :: When you make pancakes...
 
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Swampturtle
04/05/2016 10:22AM
 
Lately I have switched what used to be our pancake meals to French toast. When I do make pancakes, I almost always add fruit such as blueberries. Wild rice pancakes are rare where I live, but up North it seems to be a fairly common addition. Blueberry wild rice pancakes...hearty & delicious. Minnesota on a plate.


Cache lake sells a mix with rice flour, I've had it once, they were amazing...but so expensive. I can imagine putting something like that together myself for less $$.


Wild rice blueberry pancakes
 
Hawbakers
03/31/2016 03:52PM
 
quote DrBobDerrig: "That Krusteaz pancake batter is pretty decent stuff. Secret is to make it up and let the batter rise for a bit before putting them on the griddle... If you don't have real blueberries to add.... at least you have the fake one.

dr bob"

Krusteaz is the only one we use as it is add water only. We like it!

We add more ingredients. I usually make two pancake breakfasts per a ten day trip.

I like to add apples, either dehydrated or fresh, along with cinnamon and walnuts or I will rehydrate some banana chips and bring some mini chocolate chips to add to the batter. If we have our first pancake meal early, I might have some Zup's breakfast sausage to cook up. Other wise we will have bacon, the pre cooked stuff. Along with coffee and hot cocoa that will be it. I bring real maple syrup in a small plastic bottle kept inside a ziplock baggie

Now I would most likely be cooking pancakes on a day we were not traveling because it does take some time as, yes, we can only cook one at a time, so we make them as big as possible to fit the pan. Since I am usually cooking, hubby gets the first one and eats while I start the next one. There is enough for two a piece but they are filling.

Oh, yeah you gotta get your pan hot to cook pancakes. Heat your pan until a few sprinkles of water skitter all over your pan - then it's hot enough.


 
billconner
03/31/2016 08:01PM
 
I use to swear by Krusteaz but have switched to Hungry Jack Complete.
 
mirth
03/31/2016 09:22AM
 
We do them 1, maybe 2 at a time on the stove. I have a Windpro so its really easy to dial in the flame. For larger groups I have a griddle that fits perfectly over a 2 burner coleman stove & have also used it on the fire grate.

4Keys, maybe you need a scorch buster if you want to make pancakes with the stove you have... or get one with a wider burner head.


 
DrBobDerrig
03/30/2016 06:45PM
 
That Krusteaz pancake batter is pretty decent stuff. Secret is to make it up and let the batter rise for a bit before putting them on the griddle... If you don't have real blueberries to add.... at least you have the fake one.


dr bob
 
KevinL
04/07/2016 08:04PM
 
Maybe you should get some of that dehydrated beer and try these. But you won't carry my fishing tackle - I'm not carrying the beer. ;-)
 
4keys
03/30/2016 03:05PM
 
How do you cook them? Whenever we have tried pancakes on the stoves the outside gets dark and the inside is still gooey. The flame is not very adjustable and it is pretty focused in the center of the cake. And can cook only 1 at a time. So we skip the pancakes now.


 
Jackfish
03/30/2016 03:48PM
 
4Keys... I'm usually the cook in our group and I love making pancakes for the gang. I cook over a Whisperlite stove and pancakes generally turn out just fine. Granted, they're not perfect every time like Perkins or IHOP, but they're pretty damn good.

With the Whisperlite, there is no "flame adjuster" where you can control the amount of heat, but with a little practice, the flame is adjustable by keeping the fuel bottle pressure a little less and adjusting the gas flow as pressure allows. I really find it to be no big deal to use.

I use the same frypan that I use for cooking fish - maybe a 10" aluminum with heavy bottom - and I make one flapjack at a time. As I mentioned in an earlier post, I bring the Betty Crocker Complete Pancake Mix pouches. Easy to pack and each pouch makes three nice flapjacks. Each person gets about 1 1/2 pancakes and it's perfect. Give it a try.
 
Jackfish
02/14/2016 10:16PM
 
Ben, on our trips, we pack these pouches of Betty Crocker Complete Buttermilk pancakes. One pouch makes three nice flapjacks so we pack the appropriate number of pouches to feed the group. We always bring pre-cooked bacon, Tang and coffee to have with them.

I'd like to lighten the load just a little by bringing a substitute for the Log Cabin syrup we bring every year. There was a thread on that recently. I'll have to do some experimenting at home.
 
nctry
02/14/2016 09:35PM
 
Is that all you have? And how much per person do you bring?

I don't eat them as a meal in themselves. I eat usually two pieces of precooked bacon, eggs using 1/4 cup ovaeasy mix, and pancake using 1/2 cup complete pancake mix. And now the maple sugar syrup. It's all premeasured and works very well. Very little mess and for me the pancake is like toast with my eggs. For a variation I tried lemon poppy seed muffin mix. I use 1/2 cup and make it like a pancake. Worked good. And don't need syrup... Just a little crumbly, but not too bad. But to eat pancakes as the main part of the meal would not do it for me. This is my solo portion.
 
nctry
02/15/2016 05:04AM
 
So Pete, when you have pancakes, that is the main course, I take it? I remember that is what verlin Krueger (sp?) used a lot. He always measured miles he could paddle by how many pancakes he ate. :)
 
nctry
04/06/2016 11:54AM
 
So my daughter is here and she'll be coming back end of May to paddle. I told her about buttheads idea and she mentioned Kasie, my other daughter makes a French toast casserole. So this has my mind going not even knowing what that would be. I'm thinking endless for ideas... May be starting a new thread. :)
 
butthead
04/05/2016 11:52AM
 
Consider for French Toast, using unseasoned dread croutons. My grandkids love this and it works well on camp trips, bread croutons pack and travel better. Again I cut my own from loaf ends and such, even home made bread specifically made for this.


butthead
 
billconner
04/05/2016 12:16PM
 
This is all making me hungry for pancakes. Could be tonights supper is pancakes.
 
LittoralZone
02/17/2016 07:22PM
 
Something far superior to pancakes is buckwheat cakes . Much more filling and nutritious, and they taste great. Buckwheat cakes actually have a flavor (fresh blueberries of course help) and need little syrup, unlike regular pancakes. Throw in some Canadian bacon and maybe some eggs, now that's a meal.


I figure about 1 cup mix per person per meal, plus a little extra just incase. Usually eat a light breakfast and have them for a lunch/dinner or two per trip.

Oops, that link might not be allowed - so here's some info on buckwheat:

Buckwheat is superior to all grains, as well as soybeans, as a source of protein. It is the only natural, cholesterol-free source of all eight of the amino acids that the human body needs to consume.

Many think that buckwheat is a grain. However, it does not grow like typical grassy grain plants (think wheat). It is more like a fruit, and in fact is related to the rhubarb plant. Buckwheat plants produce seeds which are eaten or ground into a dark, grainy-like flour.

Traditionally, buckwheat pancake yeast mix had to raise overnight. But hearty, dark-grain pancakes are special, and self-rising — to which you only had to add water. No yeast, buttermilk, eggs, or oil.

 
BigCurrent
02/18/2016 09:52AM
 
We usually bring nuts, dried fruit, or peanut butter to add to the oatmeal and generally make a sausage or bacon in the AM.
 
QuietWaters
04/03/2016 04:29PM
 
quote Mocha: "this has been a very interesting and enlightening thread!

the budget for this breakfast is somewhat limited, but some suggestions to make it heartier would be great!"

I add some old fashioned or quick cook oats to the Hungry Jack packet. Fresh or frozen blueberries, nuts, dried fruits (cranberries, apples, etc.) along with some spices like cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg work well, too. I do rehydrate the dried fruits for a few minutes.

Sorry I don't have any measurements for the additions....I just eyeball it, but haven't had a flop yet.


 
schweady
04/03/2016 07:37PM
 
quote nctry: "quote schweady: "quote billconner: "I use to swear by Krusteaz but have switched to Hungry Jack Complete. "
Pretty much a wash. For many years, our twice-a-month Men's Breakfast/Bible Study has used Krusteaz exclusively, but Hungry Jack was my wife's only choice for our weekend breakfasts at home. Now, I see there's a box of Krusteaz in the cupboard. Whichever is on sale, I think."

Not at all a wash in my book... I think the hungryjack complete buttermilk pancake mix is second to none. We use the crusties for our firemans breakfasts. I can tell the difference right away. (Spelt it that way on purpose... Haha) I've tried them all. I eat one piece of bacon, two or three eggs and a pancake almost every morning. I just realized I've turned into a pancake snob. oh no!"

Now, today's was Aunt Jemima complete cakes. Not sure where she found those in the cupboard. Still no discernible difference.
This is getting too much like a coffee thread. Mix 'em, fry 'em, enjoy 'em, let's fish!

 
Captn Tony
04/03/2016 08:33AM
 
My favorite mix is the what I get in bulk at the Amish store in Cantril, Iowa. I add some corn meal and oatmeal. Other then that I like Krusteaz. I tried adding flavored oatmeal but there is so much sugar in it that is it hard to keep the pancakes from burning. I also have problems with cheaper mixes burning and I think it is because there is so much added sugar.
 
butthead
04/03/2016 11:06AM
 
Any one try a suggestion from the Bisquick box, 1 tsp baking powder and 1 tbs lemon juice per cup of mix?
Make very fluffy airy cakes as you would imagine (bubbling reaction between baking powder and the acidic lemon juice), hardly any lemon flavor noticed. Mix everything but lemon juice which is saved for mixing just before cooking.


butthead
 
Spartan2
04/25/2016 06:13AM
 
For us, it was always pancakes once or twice at least. Krusteaz Honey Wheat because it has more whole grain and is more substantial (it is what I use at home, too. Add water only.) Add fresh blueberries if you have them, add chopped pecans if you don't have blueberries.

Only Minnesota Wild Country Maple Syrup will do!

We always have eggs (fresh) or bacon (precooked now) with our pancakes.

I have also made corn meal pancakes with a corn meal muffin mix--add Nido and a bit more water to the mix. It's a nice variation, but not as much fiber so doesn't stick by you as well.

I use my biggest frypan and cook four at a time. Since there are only two of us, a panful is a plateful.



 
HammerII
04/11/2016 06:36AM
 
of course one of the nicer things about pancakes is being to make a few extra to snaack on later in the day with a bit of honey
 
nctry
02/16/2016 06:24PM
 
quote CrookedPaddler1: "If i do pancakes on a trip, it is on a layover day, as it takes longer than most breakfasts to make. One thing that I do a little different than most is that I usually mix the syrup right into the batter. Makes cleanup a little easier!"
Thanks... I have to try that. Not that clean up is bad. But one more small pan to worry about.
 
24kGold
02/17/2016 02:44AM
 
This is how we do pancakes in Quetico. I take butter,add brown sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg. (Be liberal with the butter) When the sugar is melted I add a sliced banana. I make a single skillet-sized pancake and pour the fried bananas over it. No need for extra syrup. I do the same thing with apples but it takes them longer to cook down. Bananas cook really quick so ya have to be careful or they turn to mush. If you like, you can add a touch of rum to the mixture especially with the bananas. And we usually serve with a side of pre-cooked bacon. (Hormel is the best)
 
schweady
02/17/2016 08:27AM
 

Pancakes and sausage (being kept warm under the pan lid), coffee and Tang. Syrup bottle is warmed in a pan of water over the stove.

 
BigCurrent
02/17/2016 10:31AM
 
Pancakes are pretty much void of any nutrients. If that all that is eaten you're going to be hungry in quick fashion. We have moved on from pancakes to Breakfast burritos with veggies, cheese and sausage or oatmeal with fruit along with some of fatty protein. It gives you sustained energy until it's time for lunch.
 
marsonite
02/15/2016 06:12PM
 
Pancakes is the main course for me. I tried these recently, and am going to take them on my next trip. Very hearty and surprisingly tasty. This recipe is for one person.

1 cup oats (any kind) ground in a blender or food processor.
1 tsp. Baking Powder
Dash of salt.
3 or 4 Tbls. Milk Powder.
Ground flax or ground nuts or whatever you prefer.

Put together in bag. In camp add water stir and cook in pan.
These are the best pancakes I have eaten. Oats has more fat than wheat and more calories. Cooked in oil adds more. Don't eliminate the milk powder or they won't brown.
 
Jackfish
02/15/2016 11:16PM
 
quote nctry: "So Pete, when you have pancakes, that is the main course, I take it? "
Yes, that's correct. We typically alternate pancakes & bacon with oatmeal every other day. They're always good and seem to keep us fishing until it's time for shorelunch. :)
 
HammerII
02/15/2016 10:57PM
 
gawd there are as many ways to fix pancakes in camp as there are ways to do bannock
Normally they're the main offering of a lazy morning with me but a buddy does them a lot with a bit of a twist. He uses a premix(or my bisquick standard mix)and adds a packet of the flavored instant oatmeal in the mix. He always makes extra and uses the extras as "munchies" thru out the day.
the instant oat meal, pan cake mix all goes into a bottle and then he shakes and pours
my favorite "pancakes" are corn cakes(just use ground corn meal to replace up to half the flour) and buckwheat(Replace up to half or a bit more of the flour)
Of course you gotta have maple syrup, cause that stuff ain't just for pancakes in the camp kitchen and finds its way into oat meal, desserts and strong hot tea
 
CrookedPaddler1
02/16/2016 08:51AM
 
If i do pancakes on a trip, it is on a layover day, as it takes longer than most breakfasts to make. One thing that I do a little different than most is that I usually mix the syrup right into the batter. Makes cleanup a little easier!
 
nctry
02/17/2016 02:45PM
 
quote BigCurrent: "Pancakes are pretty much void of any nutrients. If that all that is eaten you're going to be hungry in quick fashion. We have moved on from pancakes to Breakfast burritos with veggies, cheese and sausage or oatmeal with fruit along with some of fatty protein. It gives you sustained energy until it's time for lunch."
That is why I shy from oatmeal. I don't make it to lunch... Heck, I can hardly make it to 9:00. I do have my eggs and bacon. And add some of the stuff you have. What kind of fatty protein would you have with oatmeal? I grew up with pancakes being the main coarse and I question why since like you say, no nutritional value. And to me breakfast can make or break my day.
 
24kGold
02/17/2016 06:43PM
 
That's why I add fruit and bacon to our pancakes up there. Ya need something else.
 
overthehill
02/17/2016 06:48PM
 
We usually do them once per trip with sausage patties day 2 or three. With maple syrup.
 
Jaywalker
04/10/2016 09:56AM
 
I'll usually have pancakes once per trip, usually with beef or turkey jerky. To add some umph to pancakes, mix in some ova easy powder to the dry mix, and/or add some whey. Bumps up the protein and makes them last a bit longer.
 
Mocha
04/03/2016 09:00AM
 
this has been a very interesting and enlightening thread!


we serve all you can eat pancake breakfast and real OJ to our youth groups before they head out for their trip. i never considered the non-nutritional value of pancakes and wonder how many of these kids are hungry by the end of their first portage.
the budget for this breakfast is somewhat limited, but some suggestions to make it heartier would be great!
we've used the Krusteez and General Mills mixes in bulk, just add water. mix it up the night before, chill, and it's puffy the next day.
 
billconner
04/01/2016 04:43PM
 
quote nctry: "quote schweady: "quote billconner: "I use to swear by Krusteaz but have switched to Hungry Jack Complete. "
Pretty much a wash. For many years, our twice-a-month Men's Breakfast/Bible Study has used Krusteaz exclusively, but Hungry Jack was my wife's only choice for our weekend breakfasts at home. Now, I see there's a box of Krusteaz in the cupboard. Whichever is on sale, I think."

Not at all a wash in my book... I think the hungryjack complete buttermilk pancake mix is second to none. We use the crusties for our firemans breakfasts. I can tell the difference right away. (Spelt it that way on purpose... Haha) I've tried them all. I eat one piece of bacon, two or three eggs and a pancake almost every morning. I just realized I've turned into a pancake snob. oh no!"

I like to make the Hungry Jack batter a little thicker than the box suggests, and let it sit till it rises a little. A real pancake - with accent on the "cake".


 
nctry
04/01/2016 01:15PM
 
quote schweady: "quote billconner: "I use to swear by Krusteaz but have switched to Hungry Jack Complete. "
Pretty much a wash. For many years, our twice-a-month Men's Breakfast/Bible Study has used Krusteaz exclusively, but Hungry Jack was my wife's only choice for our weekend breakfasts at home. Now, I see there's a box of Krusteaz in the cupboard. Whichever is on sale, I think."

Not at all a wash in my book... I think the hungryjack complete buttermilk pancake mix is second to none. We use the crusties for our firemans breakfasts. I can tell the difference right away. (Spelt it that way on purpose... Haha) I've tried them all. I eat one piece of bacon, two or three eggs and a pancake almost every morning. I just realized I've turned into a pancake snob. oh no!
 
schweady
04/01/2016 08:15AM
 
quote billconner: "I use to swear by Krusteaz but have switched to Hungry Jack Compleat. "
Pretty much a wash. For many years, our twice-a-month Men's Breakfast/Bible Study has used Krusteaz exclusively, but Hungry Jack was my wife's only choice for our weekend breakfasts at home. Now, I see there's a box of Krusteaz in the cupboard. Whichever is on sale, I think.

 
Savage Voyageur
04/01/2016 10:17AM
 
When we cook pancakes it is not all we have. We always include some eggs and bacon or spam singles. 2 large pancakes per guy, butter and syrup.
 
Swampturtle
04/06/2016 10:47AM
 
quote butthead: "Consider for French Toast, using unseasoned dread croutons. My grandkids love this and it works well on camp trips, bread croutons pack and travel better. Again I cut my own from loaf ends and such, even home made bread specifically made for this.
butthead"



That is a great idea..I'm wrapping my head around it..Homemade specialty bread made into croutons for French toast. My favorite part are the "wings", I bet you get a nice bit of eggy wings with that method. You can fill a whole pan & flip like a pancake. I'm going to give this a try at home. Thanks Butthead, you are so helpful and innovative.
 
billconner
04/06/2016 12:08PM
 
quote Swampturtle: "quote butthead: "Consider for French Toast, using unseasoned dread croutons. My grandkids love this and it works well on camp trips, bread croutons pack and travel better. Again I cut my own from loaf ends and such, even home made bread specifically made for this.
butthead"




That is a great idea..I'm wrapping my head around it..Homemade specialty bread made into croutons for French toast. My favorite part are the "wings", I bet you get a nice bit of eggy wings with that method. You can fill a whole pan & flip like a pancake. I'm going to give this a try at home. Thanks Butthead, you are so helpful and innovative. "



Sounds like dutch oven french toast - tear or cut up the bread, pour on egg mixture - some recipes say the night before - and coals under and over. Sometimes put meat in the bottom - cubed ham is easy - and been wanting to try a recipe with canned (not in BWCA) sliced peaches caramelized in the bottom. One recipe with cream cheese layered in. One session at Canoecopia suggested taking regular bread, inter laying each slice with a piece of waxed paper, and sitting on it to compress. The report was it would swell up in the batter. (Also reported using this for grilled cheese sandwiches.)
 
nctry
04/05/2016 01:12PM
 
quote butthead: "Consider for French Toast, using unseasoned dread croutons. My grandkids love this and it works well on camp trips, bread croutons pack and travel better. Again I cut my own from loaf ends and such, even home made bread specifically made for this.



butthead"







Great idea... Will be trying this out ASAP.
 
gkimball
04/05/2016 08:14AM
 
I HAVE to have pancakes on every trip. Has become like a ritual.

Used Krusteaz for years, then bought some Kodiak Cakes at Zups in Ely when I had screwed up and forgot the Krusteaz. Found I like it more, and now it is in some grocery stores other places. Always mix it with wheat germ before the trip and will start using powdered milk instead of lain water to make it even heartier.

OvaEasy eggs with sausage crumbles to go along. Pancakes with real maple syrup and real butter...in camp listening to the morning...as good as it gets!