There are nights when I just do NOT want to cook. Please don’t take me wrong. I do, indeed, LOVE to cook. But after a very LONG day homeschooling kids, taking care of the family, and just doing what needs to be done, the last thing I want to do is feed anyone. I have several things that I turn to when I would rather send my family out to catch mice, bugs, and nuts. As moms, there are SO many times when multiple sets of eyes are looking at us, begging to be fed…and the last thing we want to do is cook. There is actually a whole cookbook industry based on the desire to not fight for dinner at the end of the day. My goodness! I love Rachel Ray like every other exhausted woman in the US. But there are times when even she isn’t going to cut it. That is when I turn to my old faithfuls that please my family (because they taste good) and me (because they are healthy and embarrassingly simple).
Fritters….made your way! (aka…whatever happens to be in the cupboard, frig, or freezer)
This can be made Gluten Free!!
Pancake Mix – whatever amount is needed to make enough for your family….following the directions for mixing it up.
Chopped Veggies (your choice)
Chopped Deli Meat
Grated Cheese
Whatever spices you think would make it taste AWESOME!
I will be honest, other than the measuring of the ingredients for the pancake mix, you just add whatever you think would go together. This makes a very chunky mix that is held together by the batter. Don’t worry about it! Do know that they will take a little bit of time to bake on the griddle. A little non-stick spray will work just fine. I tend to make enough to freeze some for when we need to take a snack with us.
Favorite flavor combinations:
Ham, Swiss, Chopped Spinach (frozen), a little onion, and Thyme
Ham, Cheddar, Chopped Broccoli, a touch of dry mustard, a little onion
Turkey, Pepper Jack, Southwest Veggie Mix (black beans, corn, peppers), a little cumin, a touch of Ancho Chili Powder, garlic (serve with salsa, chopped tomatoes, cilantro, and lime)
Coarsely chopped chickpeas, frozen peas, onions, frozen chopped spinach, 1 tsp sweet curry powder…serve with plain yogurt.
I think you get the picture! When I decide fritter night has to happen, I look in the frig and think about what would go beautifully together!
Special Note
You can use whatever pancake mix you want to make these! I have tried it with KAF pancake mix recipes (both white and whole grain), Bisquik Gluten Free Pancake Mix, and the typical grocery store bags. If there are allergies, just use the appropriate pancake mix or recipe…and use the add ins that are right for your family…and don’t forget to freeze the leftovers for when you need a quick meal on the run!
I’ve never heard of this before. I’ll definately need to check this out.