We bought the corn muffin mix at the store for 2 boxes per dollar, and each box will make plenty for the 2 of us. We keep a few on hand just in case we crave corn pancakes. The meal is quick, the dishes are light, and it will only cost a buck or two per person for the meal. This is the kind of food I like to cook. 

p.s. for a picture representation of the process, continue below Jazmine’s article. 

Southwestern Corn Pancakes

by Jazmine

Budget meals can quickly become tired and bland, especially when pasta and canned goods are typical budget fare. However, shopping for common ingredients and using them in uncommon ways can add new flavors and textures to everyday dishes.  Look forcorn muffin mix to make corncakes for breakfast or buy sweet potatoes, instead of Idaho, to make mashed sweet potatoes.

This meal takes a typical breakfast food and turns it upside down. In addition to being cheap, Southwestern Corn Cakes are quick, simple, and can double as a breakfast or brunch. Jiffy corn muffin mix can easily be converted to pancakes using the instructions on the side. Add a fried egg on top for protein and substance, giving you energy for class or work.  Replacing syrup with salsa fresca wakes you up in the morning and has the added benefit of fewer calories and keeps away the dreaded sugar crash.

Recipe serves two:

1 box Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix

¾ Cups water

1 egg

3-4 Eggs for frying

Salsa Fresca (can be replaced with store bought salsa or hot sauce)

1 Tomato

1 Onion

1 Clove of garlic

1 bunch of cilantro

Roughly chop tomatoes, onion, garlic, and cilantro and combine in a Tupperware container. Shake ingredients for a bit so flavors combine.

Preheat large frying pan or skillet on medium heat. Stir muffin mix, water, and one egg in large bowl until combined.  Grease bottom of skillet and pour about ½ cup of batter for each cake. Cook until sides are barely crisp and top is bubbly, then flip. One package will make about 6-8 medium sized pancakes. Fry eggs sunny side up or over easy and then lay over corn cakes. Add salsa over the top of everything to taste and enjoy!

Picture Representation

by Clay

Started with the mix in a small bowl. 

Then added the ingredients.

 
Dropped some batter onto the skillet and waited until it was a little browned around the edges and there’s a couple of bubbles (what it says on the box).  

Then a flipped …. It was a little burnt. 

It’s really good with some salsa (as though it was syrup for non-corn pancakes). 

And it’s really good with a fried egg.

The white was still a bit runny. Flipped it over for a sec, but I still wanted the yellow to be runny. That makes every egg-on-top dish good. 

Added the egg. 

I like it with some green salsa. 

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