If it comes from a box it can never be as good as homemade, right?  That depends. 

Some mixes are simply the dry ingredients that you would use in a normal recipe and you add the eggs, milk, etc.  I would rate these just as good as anything you could make from scratch because they are from scratch, minus one step.

If you get a package of mix as a gift a family member or friend made for you, this is probably how it was made.  Also, if it was of high quality from a nice country store with the same “add all wet ingredients” directions, you will get pancakes just as good.  Maybe better, if you’re not a good cook.  Think about it, have you ever made brownies or a cake from a box that didn’t taste just as good as homemade?

Then there are the mixes that are you only have to add water.  As surprising as it may be, these can be just as good as homemade, as well.  In these types of mixes, they usually add dried eggs and milk in order to keep it all a dried mix.  It’s still all the same ingredients, just made much easier.

As I always say, the best way to know if box mix is as good as your homemade, is to give it a try.  Most people buy box mix because it’s much easier, but if you don’t want to spend the money, don’t make pancakes that often, or really prefer the challenge to make pancakes and the taste, then go ahead and make them yourself.

Sometimes box mixes might be the way to go.  If you find your homemade pancakes just come out bad, then use the box.  To make them extra special you can add any ingredients you like to give them a new flavor.

If you did a blind taste test, you probably wouldn’t be able to tell the difference in taste.  If you don’t want to spend the extra money on something you make rarely when you already have the flour and ingredients, then make them yourself.  If you love to make pancakes but hate the extra time it takes to measure out the ingredients, than use box. 

Whatever you decide, don’t forget the butter and syrup!

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