Many of us keep pancake mix as one of the staples usually in our campers. Since it is mostly flour, a spoonful mixed with water makes good gravy when stirred into juice left in the pan after cooking meat.

We also made some good New England clam chowder at a recent fall campsite. Liquid from canned chopped clams and canned sliced potatoes into a pot. To the liquid, add powdered milk, a spoonful of pancake mix, a pat of butter, some dried minced onions, and pepper to taste. Cook and stir until slightly thickened then add the potatoes and clams. Two bowls of hearty soup on a chilly afternoon.

Probably not original ideas, but maybe a good reminder.