I’ll just come right out and say it: I’m an excellent houseguest.
I usually come with an edible treat that usually involves butter and sugar. Heck… I’ll even bring a pink box of doughnuts and champagne if the mood strikes me.
If I don’t have anything edible in tow, rest assured that I come bearing The Gift of the Dance… meaning that I’ll shake my groove thing all over the house (this may or may not involve a cartwheel or two).
My most recent houseguest happyplace is this homemade pancake mix. Naturally, it has dark chocolate chips in it. All that’s required is that there be an egg, butter, and buttermilk in the house.
If you let me sleep over… I’ll probably even make these for you. If you feed me mimosas, I might even do the dishes.
Can I come over?
I found some old diner-style sugar shakers to hold the pancake mix. I totally found these suckers at the dollar store. So many bizarre treasures at the dollar store. I decorated the jars simply with some brown packing paper and twine.
The handwritten recipe is included.
Inspire breakfast!
I love what’s happening here.
I love when gifts are edible… and cheap, but still awesome.
I love when I have an excuse to use my Anthropologie (totally inaccurate and just for show) measuring cups.
Everything in a jar. Scoop it and spoon it.
Scoop it and Spoon it should totally be and R&B song. You know I’m right.
When I’m feeling fancy, I bring a stick of butter, an egg, and a jar of buttermilk as a part of my houseguest gift… but those are really just perks. If you show up with chocolate and the promise of breakfast, you’re winning for sure.
Buttermilk Chocolate Chip Pancake Mix: Gifting Pancake Mix for two
makes about 12 small pancakes, enough for two
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
1/2 vanilla bean, seeds scraped
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup whole wheat flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 cup dark chocolate chips
In a small bowl, combine sugar and vanilla bean. Use your fingers to work the vanilla bean into the sugar, creating a vanilla scented and speckled sugar. Add flours, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon and whisk to combine.
Spoon dry mixture into a small jar. Top with chocolate chips. Cover jar with lid and decorate with a bow.
Create a small instruction card for the pancakes.
To Make Pancakes:
Pour contents of this jar into a medium bowl. Add:
1 large egg
1 cup buttermilk
2 tablespoons butter, melted and cooled.
Whisk well to incorporate. Heat a griddle pan over medium heat. Grease with butter. Spoon 2 tablespoons of batter onto the hot griddle. Flip once. Cook until golden brown and cooked through. Serve with maple syrup.
Amanda Daniels
HI, Love this! You know we just started a business called Pancake Presents where we make silicone pancake molds with sentimental sayings on them. They would make the perfect addition to these as gifts! Check them out and let me know what you think!
http://www.PancakePresents.com
Shelley
Just found your site and love it. But felt I had to leave a note of suggestion here, as vanilla beans can be expensive…if making this, don’t throw out the vanilla bean ‘skin/pod’ once you’ve removed the seeds…place this is a jar of sugar (add the skins every time you use vanilla beans to that same jar) to make an inexpensive jar of vanilla sugar – its inexpensive as you were just going to throw those skins/pods away. I hate throwing anything out that could be used to create something wonderful…if I buy something I want to get as much use from it as possible. If you only have half a bean pod available and don’t feel it’s enough to add to the sugar, pop it in a bag and put in the freezer til you feel you have enough skins/pods to add to a jar of sugar, but truly even a little makes such a huge difference and is great for all your baking, for adding to coffee or herbal tea, and so much more. Just give the jar a shake whenever you remember to, to help distribute it and you’ll be pleased with the end results. As you use the sugar, just add fresh sugar to it, so the vanilla skins/pods just keep on flavouring that vanilla! =)
Laura
I’m getting ready for my annual “East Coast New Years in the West” party (where we celebrate here in CA at 9 pm since we all have young kids). It’s an appetizer potluck party. I’m thinking this year, I’ll send folks home with this as a New Year’s gift. What’s better than not having to come up with New Year’s Day breakfast after a night out, particularly when we’ll be keeping the kids up past their bed times?! Thanks for this great idea!
Billie Jo
I used your recipe to make these:
http://www.createdby-diane.com/2011/05/buttermilk-pancake-cupcakes-with-maple-frosting-and-bacon.html
So freaking delicious I could barely stand it. The first time I made these cupcakes I used a pre packaged mix. Not nearly as good. Thanks to you my pancake cupcakes and pancakes will be phenomenal!
Julia
yes, you may come over… holler at me if you are ever in Malaysia :)
Marie
ahh “shave your groove thing” is still killing me. I had to re-read this post just to giggle a little. Love it. Love you. Love your food. :)
Rebecca
Love this website! I could double this, right? Six small pancakes just wouldn’t fly where I would be a houseguest! hee hee. . .
Eleanor
It’s so great to know that I’m not the only one who arrives with food. I have a habit of turning up with lasagna
Lexi @ You, Me, & A World to See
ahhh there is no better gift in the world than pancakes!
Gigi
We are waiting here in Japan for your visit…groove shakin’ and all :)
Lindy
what an amazing idea… def gonna try the jars/paper bag/twine decorating!
Ann P.
Please come over to my house! You know your way to San Diego, right? ;)
Amanda
love it, great idea!!
lee
This sounds so delightful that I don’t think I would be able to assemble the ingredients for a gift. Definitely going to have to try these myself…and then maybe consider making gift jars. =)
Griselda
You Are MORE Than Welcome To Come Over ANY Time!!!
I think these little baby’s would be perfect little stocking stuffers… (o:
Gayle E
Hey Joy :). Would totally love you to come to Seattle area and be my houseguest. I love mimosas…hehe. Happy Monday!
PS – raining in Seattle area today, so maybe August would be a good time to visit :o!
heidi
have you thought of using buttermilk powder in the mix? then you would only need an egg, butter, and water (or milk) to make your mix. I prefer the powder because I never use the whole carton of buttermilk fast enough, but maybe that’s just me. :)
joythebaker
That’s a great suggestion! I’ll give this a try!
Marissa
Have you tried powdered buttermilk? Then you wouldn’t need to bring the buttermilk with you…
Shut Up & Cook
There is nothing better than a great houseguest and nothing worse than a bad one.
What’s your biggest house guest pet peeve?!
OliePants
Thank you for this. I am in need of food gifts for friends and I wanted to incorporate both cooked items as well as mixes. This is great!
Candice
I made this for my husband for his Fathers Day breakfast today and they were faaaantastic!
Aimee@clevermuffin
I love those little jars! Good jars are hard to find and must be snapped up as soon as possible. Especially if they’re only a dollar.
beth
Joy, could you come and visit me next?
Michelle
I seriously think we would be best friends if we lived in the same continent. Breakfast is the best meal of the day and if you brought these over – serious win!
Julia
“Scoop It and Spoon It should totally be the next R&B song.” And this, Joy, is why I read your blog. Love it!
Gretchen
I love this idea..always looking for little thank you gifts for teachers and friends. You are welcome at my house anytime! It would be awesome for my daughter (and the rest of the family) to meet a girl who does what she loves and isn’t afraid to shake her groove. Thank you and I am off to make blueberry maple syrup.
Jennifer
Wonderful! What a fun and lovely gift. I think this is a great idea. On a side note, I have those same measuring cups. They’re….inaccurate…?
Julia {The Roasted Root}
This DIY gift is so thoughtful AND delicious! It makes a wonderful pancake so easy and the little jar is just adorable! Aren’t you just the sweetest friend showing up with a pretty jar of yum and an armful of buttermilk and butter. You’re welcome at my place anytime, sister!
Lisa Sanchez
What a sweet idea! Joy, you can definitely come over anytime, pancakes or no pancakes.
cheyenne
what a sweet gift!
i’m going to give that to someone whenever i get the chance. thanks for sharing!
xo, cheyenne
Gabriela @ Gourmet Gab
Joy! You just made my day. Breakfast is my absolute favorite meal and I love the idea of giving “breakfast” as a thank you gift. I can’t wait to whip out a batch of this pancake mix…and probably do a little dance in the kitchen at the same time :) xo
Briel K.
YUM! You can be my house guest any time! :)
anna
scoop it…and spoon it…yeah, i’m hearing it.
MaryBeth
Oh you make me laugh! I love it!
No matter what the day is like I love knowing I can come over here and read something that makes the world seem like a good place to live and I always get inspired to get in the kitchen, even after a 13 hour day! xoxo
Sarah
Making this for my in-laws when we travel to their home over the Fourth of July! Thanks, Joy!
Lexi @ You, Me, & A World to See
Brilliant! Because nothing quite says love like pancakes.
Marilyn
Come over now!!! :)
Maria Eduarda
Joy! I must confess it: i love you.
and your recipes.
and your spirit in life.
that being said, can i use normal milk instead of buttermilk in this recipe? i just can’t find it in my country…
thank you!
Taylor
I realized it has been quite a while since this was posted, but thought you might still see it- you can make a simple buttermilk substitute using white vinegar or lemon juice and milk. Put a table spoon of either white vinegar or lemon juice in a measuring cup then fill rest of the way to a cup with milk. Let it sit five mins and use! Yay.
Kate Minor
This is the sweetest thing! I am toooootally with you-edible gifts are THE best. What’s not to like!?
Madeline
I’m writing Scoop It and Spoon It in my head right now… it has a really sexy beat. Also thanks for this idea- I’m young and broke and you’ve always got the best tips for me!
chefroommate
I definitely read the title of this post as buttermilk pancake presents (as in 20th century fox presents) and was all – where is the pancake movie. But pancake mix is to give to people you dig is just as exciting! Thanks for sharing!
Kristiina
Hi Joy! Such a good idea! One quick question…do you add the vanilla bean seeds to the sugar or just the empty bean? I was thinking that the seeds would make the dry ingridients too wet, just wondering :) Thanks!!!
joythebaker
Add it to the wet ingredients.
Becca - Cookie Jar Treats
You’re welcome at my house anytime, especially if you bring that jar full of pancake mix ;) I really would like to make some pancakes now :)
deargirl
Love this idea for gifts, but to also have on hand as I have frequent guest staying the night. And most importantly, a hungry almost 3 year old! Do you know how long the shelf life is?
Love your sight and your raspberry lemon rolls! What delicious mess they were to make.
Caralyn @ glutenfreehappytummy
love this! what a great idea!
Melissa Helen
Maybe Salt-N-Pepa could take on Scoop It and Spoon It?
Kris
Sounds amazing! I’m definitely going to be trying this!
Lindsay @ The Live-In Kitchen
Ha, I always wonder that about the cute little measuring cups. So impractical! But necessary. Also, will you come stay at my house? Because you’re major.
Michelle
I was at a health food store the other day and saw powdered buttermilk for sale, just FYI :)
Sarah
p.s. I can’t pin any images on your page! WAHH
Sarah
You can totally come over! I’ll supply the buttermilk ;)
?Sarah?
theantiquepearl.blogspot.com
Jess
Love everything about this, but the shakers are a serious find! The Dollar Store? Who knew!?
sadie
you are coridally invited to come and stay. England isn’t too far for you is it? I’ll provide the champagne, you do the cooking. deal?
Kelsey
Come over anytime! The mimosas are waiting!
Cheryl
I’m just guessing here…..but I think you meant to say “SHAKE your groove thing”…..not “shave”….
Laura (Tutti Dolci)
Love, love this idea and I love those measuring cups, however inaccurate they may be!
robyn
such a great gift-want to be my guest???
Asha@FSK
With gifts like that…. oh you are welcome to stay mine anytime you are in NYC :)
Trevor Sis. Boom.
What a great idea! I sometimes fantasize that I am the creative person you are. Then I wake up and realize that I don’t have any craft scissors. How come I don’t have any craft scissors? That doesn’t seem right.
joythebaker
let’s go to the craft store together! we can fix ourselves right up!
Julie H. of Spinach and Sprinkles
Perfect go-to gift to make! I love it! :) ….You are more than welcome to come over to my house and spend the night. Anytime- I’ll for sure make mimosas!
Katie
You can come stay at my house and bring this. I wouldn’t mind. What a great idea! It makes me want to run out and get some beautiful jars for baking.
Melissa
Love it! you can come over any time. :)
anitajoye
dear joy,
i don’t know you personally, but we have the same name (well, joye is my middle name to be precise). and although your blog is about 1,000 times better than mine… we have similar areas of focus, a mixture of food, seriously too deep thoughts and every day quirky life. i love it. therefore, although i know you not… i welcome you anytime you are in central virginia to bring me pancake mix and be my houseguest. i mean it.
in any case, i will make this recipe myself the next time our little.big family are house guests. i’ll need to tripple it. ;) hooray.
-anitajoye
jackie @ marin mama cooks
What a great idea. It would also be a great idea for kids to bring to a sleepover. What mom wouldn’t love it if the child that they were hosting for a sleepover came with breakfast in tow? I know I would love it and I would invite that kid over more often!
xoxo,
Jackie
beetree
I know! Even her typos make me laugh! :) what a visual image-ha!
Bakerkat
Such a happy post. You would be the best guest and these would be perfect.
I like dollar stores too you can find such good stuff there.
I think this would be a great time to make pancakes
Donna
You just answered a question I’ve asked myself on more than one occasion: Are those pretty little measuring cups you find at Anthropologie actually real measuring cups? Now I know.
Cindy
oh my god that typo!!
joythebaker
THAT was a good one!
Katrina @ Warm Vanilla Sugar
love this! such a fun idea!
Chewthefat
I didn’t think that ‘shave’ was a typo–I thought you could shave groove, kind of like good Parmesan cheese or dark chocolate.
The Savory and The Beautiful
Love. Love. Love. You’re such a smart & caring cookie!
Lauren at Keep It Sweet
Such a fun gift, you can come to my place any time!
Jamie @ green beans & grapefruit
Awesome!!
katie mazur
I am adamant on giving gifts that are edible! They are so fun!
Last year for Christmas I did a similar idea, but with hot cocoa.
Fabulous! I love it and can’t wait to do this one for next year!
leaf (the indolent cook)
I like to bring food gifts when I visit someone – but never thought about pancake mix. Awesome!
Angel
Love this idea! It’s so much better than the classic cookie recipe in a jar. Have you tried peanut butter on your pancakes? It’s been our family way of eating buttermilk pancakes since forever, and with dark chocolate – yummmm.
Jlhpisces
LOL I agree! Love the recipe and the typo gave me the giggles!
Margherita
The diner’s sugar shakers are just the best: such a clever idea!!!
anna
Hi! You’ve just shaved your groove thing all over my place as I’m eating your pancakes right now ;) And that wasn’t easy as I live in Poland ;) It’s 11.30am here – the best time for lazy Saturday’s breakfast. Thanks for the recipe.
Simone
Fantastic idea and I’m sure very appreciated!!
Averie @ Averie Cooks
What an awesome gift this would be…great idea.
And I have almost bought those Anthro measuring cups many times but suspected they weren’t accurate. Cuteness usually trumps practicality…shoes, clothes, etc but not in baking. Darn. Because they’re so cute!
anja
YES!YES!YES!
you totally can come over – to New Zealand!
:o)
Meki
Sounds delicious!!!
Jenny
As sweet and delicious the peaches with the dollop of yoghurt I just had for breakfast were – I want these pancakes! Have a plan for Sunday morning…
Caz
I love making pancakes for houseguests! What a great idea to turn up with your own mix ready to go. Last time I was a house guest I turned up with a jar of homemade granola but pancakes would definitely steal the show. Thanks Joy!
Jeanette @ Mary's Pastry Lab
love the jar!! totally a great idea to make breakfast an ease!