Monday, May 18, 2020

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How to Get Rid of Undereye Circles Naturally

Posted: 18 May 2020 05:00 PM PDT

It can be frustrating to wake up feeling great in the morning only to look in the mirror and see dark circles under your eyes. There are a few causes for these circles appearing under your eyes, and interestingly enough, sleep deprivation is almost never one of them. These circles appear when the veins under the eyes are irritated or fluid builds up under the skin, typically because your skin there is thinner than the rest of your face. Luckily, there are a variety of simple solutions to reduce the inflammation and smooth out your skin. By making a few lifestyle changes or treating the symptoms directly, you'll be back to waking up with perfect skin in no time.

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Treating Your Circles Directly

  1. Put a cold compress on your eyes for 5-10 minutes after you wake up. If you notice circles under your eyes in the morning, grab a cold compress or an ice pack. Lay down in bed, prop your head up with a pillow, and rest the cold item under your eyes for 5-10 minutes. This will reduce the inflammation and dramatically lower the puffiness before you start your day.[1]
    Get Rid of Undereye Circles Naturally Step 1 Version 3.jpg
    • You can also use cold spoons, cucumber slices, a gel mask, or cold tea bags if your prefer. It doesn't really matter what you use so long as it's cold.
    • If you're using an ice pack, wrap it in a cloth before putting it on your face.
  2. Reduce the inflammation using a skin cream with vitamin C or K. Get an organic skin cream with vitamin C or vitamin K in it. Once a day, either before you go to bed or after you wake up, rub a pea-sized drop of the cream under your eyes. Gently work it into the skin until you can no longer see any globs of cream. Do this every day to reduce the circles over time.[2]
    Get Rid of Undereye Circles Naturally Step 2 Version 3.jpg
    • Hydroxy acid or retinol will help as well. A combination of retinol and vitamin K is most likely to be effective, but the retinol in skin cream isn't always natural if that's a major concern for you. There are no negative side effects if that's what you're trying to avoid, though!
    • Regular moisturizers won't really help if they don't have any of these ingredients in them since this isn't really a skin problem, but an inflammation issue. Skin creams with vitamin K or C can replenish the skin, but they won't treat the underlying cause.
  3. Flush your sinuses with a saline spray to reduce pressure from a stuffy nose. The dark circles under your eyes may be a result of nasal congestion if your nose is stuffy. Pick up a saline nose spray and stick the nozzle in your first nostril. Squeeze the spray to release a stream of saline while inhaling. Repeat this process on the other nostril. This will flush your sinuses and make it easier to breathe, which will relieve the pressure under your eyes.[3]
    Get Rid of Undereye Circles Naturally Step 3 Version 3.jpg
    • Saline is just a combination of water and salt. There are rarely unnatural ingredients in saline sprays, but it's best to read the label on the product just to be on the safe side.
    • Inhaling steam is also a great way to soften your nasal passages up and make it easier to breathe.
    • Blowing your nose puts pressure on the pockets under your eyes. Go ahead and blow your nose if it's stuffy, but try to avoid blowing your nose every couple of minutes. Excessive nose-blowing can unfortunately make the circles worse.
  4. Use a little makeup to cover the circles up if they won't go away. Stop in at your local beauty store or pop open your makeup cabinet and grab a concealer that matches your skin tone. Grab a small makeup brush and carefully apply the concealer under your eyes using gentle brush strokes. Close your eyes when working around the base of your eyelid to avoid getting concealer in your eye and use a soft tissue to blot up any excess makeup.[4]
    Get Rid of Undereye Circles Naturally Step 4 Version 3.jpg
    • There are no specialty products that have been proven to work for this. Your best shot is to simply conceal the circles with a little makeup.
    • If you're a guy, there's nothing wrong with using a little makeup. These circles are a pretty common problem, so there's no shame in taking a simple step to cover them up.
  5. Do not rely on fruit, charcoal, and tea bags for undereye circles. While they're certainly good for your skin and it won't hurt to try, these options probably won't help with these circles since you're not really dealing with a skin issue. It's more of an inflammation and cardiovascular problem, which these skin treatments won't affect. This is also why cucumbers and tea bags—which do clear skin up—do not help specifically with circles under the eyes.[5]
    Get Rid of Undereye Circles Naturally Step 5 Version 3.jpg
    • This also applies to cotton balls dipped in rose water, potatoes, and tomatoes. There's not a ton of evidence that these remedies help.[6]
    • The fruit or tea bags will help if they're cold, though!
    • Feel free to give these options a shot if you'd like. They're not dangerous or anything. Just don't get your hopes up that they'll fix these circles.

[Edit]Making Lifestyle Changes

  1. Drink plenty of water to keep your skin looking great. The skin under your eyes is less likely to be irritated by your muscles and veins if your skin is healthy. Make sure that you drink 3-5 glasses of water a day to ensure that your skin stays replenished and healthy. If you're not drinking enough water, you're more likely to get circles under your eyes.[7]
    Get Rid of Undereye Circles Naturally Step 6 Version 2.jpg
  2. Limit the amount of sodium in your diet to keep fluids from building up. When you wake up with those dark circles under your eyes, it may be fluid behind the skin causing the darker skin. Since high amounts of sodium makes it harder for your body to process fluids, cutting back on the salt may naturally clear the circles up over time. There are no hard guidelines for reducing sodium, but cutting out the junk food and limiting the amount of salt you use to cook will certainly help keep sodium levels in check.[8]
    Get Rid of Undereye Circles Naturally Step 7 Version 2.jpg
    • Cured meat, frozen dinners, and pizza all tend to be very high in sodium. Cut these items out of your diet entirely if you can manage it. Avoiding these food items just so happens to be good for your health as well!
  3. Cut back on drinking anything in the 1-2 hours leading up to bed. If you are waking up with these dark circles, cutting back on the amount of liquid you consume in the hours leading up to bed may reduce the amount of fluid your body retains. If you do need a drink, stick with water. Your body typically doesn't retain water for very long so it is unlikely to have a large effect on your circles. Besides, drinking plenty of water is good for the circles.[9]
    Get Rid of Undereye Circles Naturally Step 8 Version 2.jpg
  4. Sleep on your back to prevent gravity-induced circles and nasal congestion. If you sleep on your side, it's a lot harder for the fluids under your eyes to drain and for the blood in your face to circulate. To prevent gravity-induced circles under your eyes, sleep on your back. If you normally sleep on your side, this may be difficult, but this is a great way to help the bags disappear over time since you'll have an easier time clearing up congestion.[10]
    Get Rid of Undereye Circles Naturally Step 9 Version 2.jpg
    • Propping your head up with a big pillow is a great way to improve circulation since gravity will help the fluids under your eyes circulate.
    • Sleeping on your back is also less likely to lead to nasal congestion since the fluids in your sinuses have an easier time draining.
  5. Get at least 8 hours of sleep a night to give your facial muscles a rest. While a lack of sleep is usually not a cause of circles under your eyes, getting more sleep can keep the skin under your eyes from getting irritated. Try to get at least 8 hours of quality sleep each night so you are well-rested and your eyes stay healthy.[11]
    Get Rid of Undereye Circles Naturally Step 10 Version 2.jpg
    • You may set up a sleep schedule where you go to sleep and wake up at the same time every day, even on weekends, so your body gets a full 8 hours of sleep.
    • A lack of sleep is rarely a major cause of eye circles, but it sure isn't helping if you're really sleep deprived.
  6. Cut back on the alcohol and quit smoking. Smoking will aggravate the skin under your eyes, so quitting is a great way to improve the circles. It also happens to be good for you to stop smoking, so it's a great way to improve your overall health. Drinking a lot of alcohol can also make it harder for your body to process fluids, so cutting back may reduce the amount of fluids that get trapped under your eyes and cause dark circles in the morning.[12]
    Get Rid of Undereye Circles Naturally Step 11 Version 2.jpg
    • If you aren't cutting alcohol out entirely, just limit the amount you drink in the 2-3 hours before bed. Drinking a lot of fluids before going to sleep can make these circles worse.

[Edit]When to Seek Medical Treatment

  1. See an allergy specialist to get tested for environmental triggers. If the circles feel a little puffy, they may be triggered by an allergy. If you've never been tested for allergies, schedule an appointment with an allergy specialist to get tested. If you do turn out to have an allergy, treating the symptoms and avoiding the environmental trigger will drastically help with the circles under your eyes.[13]
    Get Rid of Undereye Circles Naturally Step 12 Version 2.jpg
    • Allergies can cause minor inflammation under the eyes since the skin is so much thinner than the rest of your face and your eyes are often irritated by allergens.
    • Your allergy specialist may prescribe medication or suggest an over-the-counter medicine to handle your symptoms.
    • If you have a severe allergic reaction, go to the emergency room. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction include flushed or pale skin, low blood pressure, trouble breathing, nausea, and fainting.[14]
  2. Go to an emergency room if you develop symptoms of dehydration. Under-eye circles can be caused by dehydration. If you start to experience additional symptoms related to dehydration, such as dizziness or a rapid heart rate, you need to seek immediate medical attention. You may need IV fluids.[15]
    Get Rid of Undereye Circles Naturally Step 13 Version 2.jpg
    • Additional symptoms of dehydration include rapid breathing, fainting, very dry skin, and dark-colored urine.
  3. Talk to your doctor if you experience discoloration under just 1 eye. Swelling or discoloration under just 1 eye can get worse over time and may require treatment from a dermatologist. Your primary care doctor can assess your eye and recommend a dermatologist for a long-term solution.[16]
    Get Rid of Undereye Circles Naturally Step 14 Version 2.jpg
    • Discoloration under one eye is typically the result of an injury. It's possible you hit your eye on something while tossing and turning in your sleep. However, it can also be a sign of an infection that requires medical attention. See a doctor just to be safe.[17]
    • If over-the-counter creams don't seem to be helping, talk to your doctor.
  4. Seek emergency care if the circles turn black or your side hurts. In rare cases, circles under your eyes are symptomatic of a kidney or liver condition. If the circles under your eyes look black or dark yellow, it may be a sign that your body is not processing nutrients correctly. If you feel any pain in your side, it could be symptomatic of a kidney condition. Go to the emergency room or call emergency services if this happens to you.[18]
    Get Rid of Undereye Circles Naturally Step 15 Version 2.jpg
    • Dark urine is another sign that something may be wrong. If you're drinking plenty of water, your urine should be yellow, light yellow, or clear. If you have dark or discolored urine, it could be related to an issue with your kidneys, gallbladder, or urinary system.[19]
    • The conditions that cause these symptoms are extremely rare. Don't worry if you aren't experiencing any serious issues.

[Edit]Video

[Edit]Related wikiHows

[Edit]References

  1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2884828/
  2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4300604/
  3. https://www.health.harvard.edu/diseases-and-conditions/what_to_do_about_sinusitis
  4. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bags-under-eyes/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20369931
  5. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23098877
  6. https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/baggy-eyes
  7. https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/water_health_benefits
  8. https://sites.psu.edu/siowfa15/2015/10/13/the-horror-of-under-eye-bags/
  9. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bags-under-eyes/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20369931
  10. https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/treatments-for-post-nasal-drip
  11. https://sites.psu.edu/siowfa15/2015/10/13/the-horror-of-under-eye-bags/
  12. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bags-under-eyes/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20369931
  13. https://www.chop.edu/news/health-tip/seasonal-allergies-keeping-symptoms-check
  14. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/anaphylaxis/symptoms-causes/syc-20351468
  15. https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?contenttypeid=85&contentid=P00828
  16. https://www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/dark-circles-under-eyes/basics/when-to-see-doctor/sym-20050624
  17. https://www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/dark-circles-under-eyes/basics/causes/sym-20050624?p=1
  18. https://healthcare.utah.edu/the-scope/shows.php?shows=0_1mln6yw5
  19. https://www.health.harvard.edu/newsletter_article/red-brown-green-urine-colors-and-what-they-might-mean

How to Make Room for a Baby in a Small Apartment

Posted: 18 May 2020 09:00 AM PDT

Welcoming a little one into the world is an exciting occasion. Whether this is your first child, or your sixth, making room for a baby can be challenging when you live in a small apartment. Don't despair just yet! You can make plenty of room for your family's new addition through repurposing existing items, sticking to the essentials, and using space creatively.

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Repurposing Existing Items

  1. Take stock of baby items you have. If this is not your first baby, begin by identifying any existing baby items you have, even if they have been used for other things, such as cloth diapers being used as rags.[1]
    Make Room for a Baby in a Small Apartment Step 1.jpg
    • If you are unsure about needing or wanting any of your baby supplies, set them aside for donation. Small spaces don't allow for lukewarm feelings about baby items.
  2. Set aside baskets and crates. Baskets and crates are excellent for storing the many things that come along with having a little one, so round up every storage container you have. Store baby items in baskets and crates on top of dressers, bookshelves, or mounted shelves to minimize clutter and keep your space tidy.[2]
    Make Room for a Baby in a Small Apartment Step 2.jpg
    • If you don't have baskets or crates, most thrift stores boast a hefty number of both. Visit your local secondhand store to find baskets and storage containers such as crates and jars that best suit your home and storage space.
  3. Hold on to your storage jars. Storage jars range from mason jars to left over jam jars. Hold onto your leftover glass jars, and use them for baby bottles (mason jars have several options for nipples and sippy cups), hair bow holders, and homemade baby food jars. Baby items stack up quickly, so having a place to store all of your baby's necessities is pivotal.
    Make Room for a Baby in a Small Apartment Step 3.jpg
    • 4-ounce mason jars make great baby food storage jars, as do old baby food jars and small, reusable yogurt containers.
    • If you do not have storage jars, you do not have to rush out to buy some; instead, gradually hold on to any jars you accumulate over the coming weeks and months.
  4. Use an existing dresser. Instead of trying to squeeze a new gadget into your limited space, create a small baby changing station on top of a dresser you already own. Instead of purchasing a new dresser, you can set aside a drawer (or even half a drawer) of your own space to place the baby's clothing in.[3]
    Make Room for a Baby in a Small Apartment Step 4.jpg
    • If you find that your baby's clothing will not fit in the dresser you already have, you can hang small shelves above the changing station to store socks, onesies, burp cloths, and other necessities.
  5. Work with existing blankets and rags. Dedicated swaddling and burping rags are not strictly necessary. You can make use of blankets and rags you already own. Swaddling is ideal with square blankets, and burp rags should be soft enough to wipe a baby's delicate skin. Search through your blankets and towels to find suitable options.[4]
    Make Room for a Baby in a Small Apartment Step 5.jpg
    • If you truly do not have any suitable blankets for swaddling, stick to the basics, and purchase 2-3 muslin swaddles. These can be used as swaddles, nursing covers, and floor blankets for tummy time.
  6. Set aside a space for baby in a corner of the room. If you live in a studio, or don't have a room set aside for a nursery, create a "nursery" in the corner of your room. This can include a crib and a changing station, along with under-crib storage containing your baby's clothing or diaper items.[5]
    Make Room for a Baby in a Small Apartment Step 6.jpg
    • Nesting hits many moms in the 3rd trimester. If you do not have a dedicated nursery, setting aside a small corner will help curb nesting instincts.
  7. Make toys with what you have. Your baby does not need all of the latest toys with sounds, buttons, and lights. Most children are happy playing with pots and pans, wooden spoons, and other things you have lying around the house. Limiting your toy intake will ensure you aren't swimming in baby products, and will give your child a chance to engage in imaginative play.[6]
    Make Room for a Baby in a Small Apartment Step 7.jpg

[Edit]Sticking to the Essentials

  1. Purchase diapering tools. Diapering tools cannot be done without, so make this a priority. Diapering necessities include a one-week stash of diapers (for disposable diapers), or 15-20 cloth diapers, wipes, rash cream, and a diaper pail.
    Make Room for a Baby in a Small Apartment Step 8.jpg
    • While some stores will have various gadgets such as diaper warmers, these are not necessary, and will clutter up a small space.
    • Be sure not to skip a diaper pail. A small space can be overwhelmed by the scent of soiled diapers quickly.
  2. Have enough clothing to last one week. Babies do not need wardrobes packed full of clothing items. Have enough clothing to last your baby one week, in addition to special items such as warm hats, sun hats, coats, swimsuits, and mittens. While the baby aisles lining most stores would suggest otherwise, a week's worth of clothing will last your baby at least long enough to get another load in the washer.
    Make Room for a Baby in a Small Apartment Step 9.jpg
    • Having fewer items will mean more frequent laundering. However, more frequent laundering will likely save a lot of stress when it comes to saving space.
  3. Buy as you go, not years in advance. Sales can be extremely tempting, but avoid purchasing things out of season, instead purchasing only what you need at any given time. Having tons of clothes for each stage of your baby's life will place a large spatial burden on your home, while buying as you need to ensures you have plenty of room for your growing family.[7]
    Make Room for a Baby in a Small Apartment Step 10.jpg
    • Forego newborn shoes. They are unnecessary, and take up a lot of space. Instead, purchase thick, warm socks.
  4. Install multiple-use pieces. Avoid purchasing single-use items, and opt for multi-use ones. This could be as simple as using a crib with drawers built in, to purchasing baby bottles that can be used as cups a few months down the road.[8]
    Make Room for a Baby in a Small Apartment Step 11.jpg
    • Many baby strollers come equipped with the ability to carry car seats, then change into regular strollers as your child grows. These will cut down on space.
  5. Use collapsible strollers, high chairs, swings, etc. Larger baby gear can take up a lot of room, and take over a home quickly. Whenever possible, opt for collapsible items, including strollers, high chairs, and swings. If possible, enlist a simple (small) umbrella stroller, high chairs designed to sit on already-existing chairs, and travel swings.[9]
    Make Room for a Baby in a Small Apartment Step 12.jpg
    • Although umbrella strollers are not safe for use with newborns, you can have an umbrella stroller for 6 months and older, while using a baby carrier for the first six months.
    • Pack'N Plays can be used in the place of cribs, and some models even have a bassinet and changing table attachment included to further cut down on space.
  6. Borrow what you can. To cut down on space, you can borrow gently used items from family and friends. Prepping baby tools this way allows you to take items into your home only when they are needed, and free up space the moment they are no longer necessary.[10]
    Make Room for a Baby in a Small Apartment Step 13.jpg
    • When using secondhand items, make sure all screws, pins, and joints are tight and secure. Over time, screws and nails can work themselves loose and create a safety hazard.

[Edit]Using Space Creatively

  1. Use the walls as storage. Baby clothes are adorable, so why not use them as decoration? To free up some space in the closet, you can hang your baby's clothing items on hooks on the wall, along with toys and shoes.[11]
    Make Room for a Baby in a Small Apartment Step 14.jpg
    • Small spice racks can be great for wall storage of smaller items.
    • Avoid hanging anything over your baby's crib, in the event of a loose bolt or other unexpected hazard.
  2. Maximize the space under the crib. If you choose to use a crib, the space under the crib should be taken full advantage of. You can use wooden crates to store baby books and toys, or small baskets to store diaper supplies and spare clothing items. This space is also great for storing collapsible baby items such as swings and strollers.[12]
    Make Room for a Baby in a Small Apartment Step 15.jpg
    • This space does not have to be dedicated entirely to baby things. If you've begun sharing a dresser, you can put your displaced clothing in bins beneath the crib.
  3. Place furniture in the closet. Cribs, dressers, changing tables, and more can be placed inside of the closet in the baby's room to maximize space and minimize clutter. This is best achieved by first removing the door and corresponding hardware to maximize the entry way.[13]
    Make Room for a Baby in a Small Apartment Step 16.jpg
    • If you prefer to have some privacy in the closet, you can hang a curtain to separate the closet from the rest of the room.
    • Closets can also be great areas for hidden storage such as shelves and multiple hanging rods. As you store things in the closet, organize everything to prevent clutter and frustration.
  4. Use all rooms for storage. A baby doesn't need a designated room for storing all of their things. Store things according to use. Baby bottles, bibs, burping cloths, and breast pumps can all be placed in kitchen cabinets, while diapers and wipes can be stored in the bathroom in over-the-toilet storage bins or hanging cabinets.[14]
    Make Room for a Baby in a Small Apartment Step 17.jpg
    • The bedroom really only needs to house your baby's sleeping arrangements and clothing. Virtually everything else can find a logical home elsewhere.
  5. Store baby items vertically. Instead of splaying all of the diaper supplies out on the surface of a desk or table, enlist the help of some kitchen storage items, and store baby items in vertical containers, whether that means hanging a vertical storage rack on the wall or placing stacking baskets on top of a cabinet or dresser.[15]
    Make Room for a Baby in a Small Apartment Step 18.jpg
    • Vertical storage affords you the opportunity to be creative. You can repurpose a hanging fruit rack to store diapers and wipes, or a 3-tier cake stand to store lotion, medicine, and other small necessities.
  6. Take advantage of over-the-door storage options. Hanging storage options range from the small (a single hook), to the massive (a door covering boasting over one dozen compartments). Make your doors work for you and use them to store your baby's clothing, diapering essentials, medicine, and toys.[16]
    Make Room for a Baby in a Small Apartment Step 19.jpg
    • Door hangers are also available for cabinets, and can be used to store baby towels, rags, and burp cloths.

[Edit]Tips

  • Do what is best for your family, not what others say you should do. You know your own needs best.
  • Try to look at your space with fresh eyes to come up with new storage and decorating ideas.

[Edit]Warnings

  • Avoid looking at inspiration sites with large homes, as these spaces will not fit your home. Instead, glean inspiration from small spaces.

[Edit]References

How to Make Fast and Easy Pancakes

Posted: 18 May 2020 01:00 AM PDT

There's nothing better than a stack of hot, fluffy pancakes to get your morning started. Most people think pancakes are too much preparation and work to serve as a quick breakfast, but they don't have to be. You can whip up a batch up delicious flapjacks in as little as fifteen minutes by keeping the necessary ingredients on hand, mixing up a simple batter and cooking several pancakes to perfection at a time.

[Edit]Ingredients

  • 1 cup flour
  • 2 tsps baking powder
  • 2 tsps sugar
  • Pinch of salt
  • 3/4 cup milk
  • 1 egg (beaten)
  • 2 tbsps canola or vegetable oil
  • 2-3 tbsps butter (as a substitute for oil)

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Mixing the Batter

  1. Measure out your dry ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of flour, 2 teaspoons baking powder, 2 teaspoons sugar and a pinch of salt. Stir the dry ingredients together until they're evenly distributed. Use the bottom of a spoon or ladle to press a small well into the center of the dry mix to make mixing in the other ingredients easier.[1]
    Make Fast and Easy Pancakes Step 1 Version 2.jpg
    • Baking powder is optional, but will produce fluffier pancakes that rise better during the cooking process.
  2. Add milk and an egg. Crack one egg into the well you made in the dry ingredients. Pour roughly ¾ cup of milk into the well. Stir the the egg and milk into the dry ingredients, making sure to beat the egg. For a thicker batter, use slightly less milk.[2]
    Make Fast and Easy Pancakes Step 2 Version 2.jpg
    • Add the milk slowly and gradually while you stir. If the batter comes out thicker than you like, you can always add another ounce. If you use too much, however, you'll have to add more flour, which will throw the recipe off.
    • Some people also like to add about a teaspoon of oil to the batter itself. This can help the ingredients hold together better once they've been mixed.
  3. Whisk until the batter thickens. Whisk the ingredients together vigorously until it becomes a batter. Try to break up as many of the lumps of flour and baking powder as you can. The batter should be smooth and have a thick, creamy consistency when it's done.[3]
    Make Fast and Easy Pancakes Step 3 Version 2.jpg
    • Be careful not to overmix your batter. This can make the pancakes slightly tough and rubbery after they're cooked.[4]
  4. Let the batter rest for a few minutes. Set a timer for 3-5 minutes and give the batter time to rest. As it sits, it will continue to set up and thicken. Stir the batter occasionally to eliminate air bubbles. While you're letting the batter rest, you can begin preparing your cooking surface.[5]
    Make Fast and Easy Pancakes Step 4 Version 2.jpg
    • Resting the batter gives the starches time to relax after whisking them together so that the pancake will turn out light and fluffy.
    • This is a good time to add other ingredients to your pancake batter, such as chocolate chips, blueberries, coconut, etc.

[Edit]Preparing Your Cooking Surface

  1. Ready a large griddle or skillet. Find a surface to cook your pancakes on. Choose a griddle or skillet that is flat and large enough to cook several pancakes at once. Place the skillet on the cooktop and have the batter and the rest of your ingredients close by.[6]
    Make Fast and Easy Pancakes Step 5 Version 2.jpg
    • If the cooking surface you're using isn't very large, you'll either have to make smaller pancakes or cook fewer at a time.
    • Avoid saute-style pans with sloped edges. These can mess up the shape of the pancake and leave you with no room to flip them.[7]
  2. Turn on the stove to a medium heat. Let the cooktop begin to warm up the skillet or griddle. It's essential to bring the cooking surface to the right temperature. If it's too hot, the pancake batter is likely to burn, while if it's not hot enough it can take much longer to cook and may leave the pancakes spongy in the middle even when they appear done on the outside.[8]
    Make Fast and Easy Pancakes Step 6 Version 2.jpg
    • The cooking surface will grow hotter the longer it's exposed to direct heat, so it's a good idea to turn it down a little after your first round of pancakes are done.
  3. Heat 1tbsp of oil or butter in the skillet. Pour about 2 tablespoons of canola oil into the skillet, or use 2-3 tablespoons of butter, or a combination of the two. Heat the oil or let the butter melt in the skillet, making sure to coat the entire cooking surface. Wait until just before the butter or oil begins to sizzle before adding the pancake batter.[9]
    Make Fast and Easy Pancakes Step 7 Version 2.jpg
    • If you're using oil to cook pancakes, canola or vegetable oil will work best, as they'll lubricate the skillet and cook the pancakes evenly without influencing their flavor.
    • Cooking with butter is fine, but it can give the pancakes a denser, crispier outer texture once it cooks in. Wipe out the pan and add new butter after each batch to keep from burning it.[10]
  4. Ladle on the pancake batter in small circles. Use a deep ladle to pour the pancake batter onto the hot cooking surface. Aim to make each pancake 3-4 inches in diameter. On a large enough cooking surface, you'll be able to cook up to 4 pancakes at a time. Keep the edges of the batter separated so the pancakes don't stick together.[11]
    Make Fast and Easy Pancakes Step 8 Version 2.jpg
    • Keep the pancakes compact. Pancakes that are too big will be difficult to flip.
    • Don't use too much batter for a single pancake, or the outside will get done while the inside is still goopy.

[Edit]Cooking and Serving the Pancakes

  1. Cook the pancakes until they begin to bubble. Depending on the heat of the skillet and the size of the pancakes, they'll need to cook for somewhere between 30 seconds and a minute on each side. Once bubbles begin to form in the wet batter on the top of the pancake, it's time to turn them over. Look for the edges to solidify and brown ever so slightly before flipping them.[12]
    Make Fast and Easy Pancakes Step 9 Version 2.jpg
    • Bubbles indicate that the first side of the pancake is done and that heat is trying to escape through the other side.[13]
    • Slide your spatula under each pancake after they've been cooking for a few moments to make sure they don't stick to the skillet.
  2. Flip the pancakes over and continue cooking on the other side. Flip each pancake over with a spatula. Let the pancakes cook for another 20-30 seconds on the opposite side. Because they've already been partially cooked through, they won't take long to get done after you flip them. Keep an eye on the underside of the pancakes to make sure they don't burn.[14]
    Make Fast and Easy Pancakes Step 10 Version 2.jpg
    • Flip the pancakes over in one fluid motion to prevent breaking them or making a mess.[15]
    • After flipping the pancakes, lift up one edge and peek at the bottom to gauge their progress.
  3. Remove the pancakes from the heat when they're golden brown. Once both sides are a nice golden brown, take them out of the skillet and divvy them up amongst your hungry eaters. Start a second batch to use up whatever batter you have left over. If necessary, add a little more butter or oil to the skillet. Otherwise, the outside of the pancakes will be more likely to burn.[16]
    Make Fast and Easy Pancakes Step 11 Version 2.jpg
    • Some people may like their pancakes slightly more brown or a little undercooked. Cook the pancakes until they're done enough to suit your tastes.
  4. Serve with your favorite toppings. Stack your pancakes high and top them with a square of butter or a drizzle of maple syrup or honey. You could also choose to add whipped cream, fresh fruit, nuts, jam, chocolate chips or even crushed candy pieces. Pancakes are a fun, easy morning treat that can be customized to even the pickiest eater's liking.[17]
    Make Fast and Easy Pancakes Step 12.jpg
    • Give your pancakes a delicious theme, pairing classic fruit combinations like strawberry and banana, or make their flavor profiles more complex with additives like cinnamon, coconut or lemon zest.
    • There are no rules. Almost anything can go on a steaming hot stack of pancakes!

[Edit]Video

[Edit]Tips

  • Wait until the pancakes are completely done on one side before you flip them.
  • Always make pancake mix from scratch. It doesn't take long, and batter that is mixed and refrigerated ahead of time can take on a different consistency the longer it sets up, resulting in dry and brittle or tough, rubbery pancakes.
  • Make sure your griddle or skillet has a non-stick surface.
  • If available, cook with clarified butter to keep it from burning when heated.
  • Unless you're an experienced cook, use a spatula to flip the pancakes rather than tossing them. This is an easy way to ruin the pancakes and make a mess.
  • To try red velvet pancakes, you can add red velvet coloring and cocoa powder to the batter.

[Edit]Warnings

  • Be careful when handling a hot pan or griddle.
  • Do not eat pancakes made with refined flour if you have an allergy or sensitivity to gluten.
  • Keep the heat moderate to prevent being burned by popping, sizzling oil.

[Edit]Things You'll Need

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Whisk
  • Ladle
  • Spatula

[Edit]Related wikiHows

[Edit]References

[Edit]Quick Summary

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