Oh come on... who doesn't want to know a pancake mix recipe that doesn't require scales? It's the sort of thing my mother can do Just By Looking while I just stand there flapping around like the Sorcerer's Apprentice waiting to muck it all up the minute her back is turned.

Cheats Pancake Mix

This recipe is easy to remember and you don't need scales! It can be made using a jug, scales, a half pint and a pint glass or even a milk bottle with markers down the side!

 

For each pint (which I find is great for me and Tink to have as a snack) measure out half a pint of milk, add an egg and gradually top up to one pint with plain flour.

 

You need to use your judgement with the flour to make it as thick as you like it, use splashes of milk and spoonfuls of flour to get the right balance.

 

If you are using scales, note how much half a pint weighs, double it and that is how much you need to make it to in flour. I sometimes use glasses, measure the milk in a half pint glass and transfer it to a pint glass.

 

Enough possessives for ya?  I'm just not sure if Tink's mum wishes me to reveal her name, that's all, and discretion is the better part of valour I've found. Also, the tomato puree thing is interesting as I had expected it to be very high in salt but according to the pack I've got here, it isn't (well, it's 1 per cent so make of that what you will). Do we think it counts as a vegetable, though? Controversial.

Quick Pasta

This is great when you haven't got much time, Tink loves this one!

• Prepare your pasta as normal.
• Add in squidges of tomato puree and grated cheese, mix well.
• You can vary it by adding in garlic puree, bacon, sandwich meat etc.