Sourdough Discard (Flapjack) Pancakes

There’s something about weekend mornings on the farm. The sun peeks over the Karoo hills, the goats are just beginning to stir, and the kettle hums away on the stove. It’s the kind of morning that calls for a special breakfast; something warm, comforting, and just a bit indulgent. Enter: the easiest pancakes ever, thanks to a trusty ready-made mix.

Now, don’t get me wrong, I love a from-scratch bake as much as the next farm girl. But sometimes, the slow morning needs to stay slow. No measuring flour, no juggling baking soda, no fuss. Just a bag of pancake mix, a splash of milk, an egg, and a little melted butter, and you’re golden. Literally golden.

Why Ready-Made Pancakes?

Because they’re a lifesaver. They still turn out fluffy, cozy, and oh-so stackable, but without the early-morning math. You don’t lose out on flavor, and you gain extra time to sip your coffee, scratch the goats behind the ears, or sneak in another slice of bacon while no one’s looking.

My First Time Using a Pancake Mix

I’ll admit, I was skeptical. Could a mix really deliver that same farm-kitchen vibe? One morning, between feeding the animals and trying to keep the kettle from boiling over, I decided to test it out. I grabbed a bag of mix, cracked an egg, poured in some milk, melted a knob of butter, and whisked it all together.

Minutes later, the first pancake hit the pan with a satisfying sizzle. The result? Fluffy centers, golden-brown edges, and the kind of breakfast that disappears from plates in record time. I was converted. Sometimes the simplest path really is the tastiest.

How to Make the Easiest Pancakes

Here’s all you need:

Ingredients

• 2 cups ready-made pancake mix

• 1 ½ cups milk

• 1 large egg

• 2 tablespoons melted butter

• Butter or oil for cooking

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the pancake mix, milk, egg, and melted butter until just combined. (A few lumps = perfectly fine.)

2. Heat a non-stick pan or griddle over medium heat. Add a little butter or oil.

3. Pour about ¼ cup of batter for each pancake. Cook until bubbles form and edges start to set, about 2–3 minutes. Flip and cook for another minute or two until golden brown.

4. Stack ‘em high and serve with butter, syrup, or whatever toppings your heart desires.

Tips for Perfect Pancakes

• Adjust the milk for thicker or thinner pancakes.

• Use a hot pan (the first pancake is always a tester).

Variations to Try

• Blueberry Bliss: Fold in a handful of berries.

• Chocolate Chip Heaven: Sprinkle chips right into the batter.

• Savory Twist: Skip the syrup and top with cheese, bacon, or even a fried egg.

Pancakes, Community, and a Little Bit of Love

There’s something about pancakes that brings people together. Maybe it’s the flipping, maybe it’s the syrup-dripping smiles. Either way, pancakes (even from a mix) feel like a little celebration of the morning. Around here, they’ve become a weekend staple, one that makes slow farm mornings feel even sweeter.

So here’s to easy breakfasts, fewer dishes, and all the joy of a warm stack on a cool Karoo morning. Happy flipping!