Ah, Candlemas! That magical moment when we flip pancakes hoping not to stick them to the ceiling. But after satisfying everyone, there’s sometimes batter left. And then, you say to yourself: “Hop, into the sink! Problem solved.” Stop! Turn back, my friend, because this little innocent decision could cost you dearly. Let’s see together why you should avoid throwing leftover pancake batter down the sink, and especially, how to use it wisely (spoiler: your compost or your freezer will become your best friends).
The risks of pouring pancake batter down the sink
First, let’s talk seriously (but not too much, I promise). Pancake batter, even if it seems quite liquid to you, does not dissolve in water like magic. In reality, it is full of butter and oil. And you know what? These fats are world champions at clogging pipes.
Fatbergs, those sewer monsters
Yes, it sounds a bit like a horror movie, but fatbergs are serious business. Imagine a disgusting ball of food fats, mixed with soap residues and other household waste. When you throw your pancake batter down the sink, you’re contributing to the birth of these glutinous monsters that block the sewers. Fun fact: in London, they discovered a fatberg as big as a bus! Not sure you want that under your house.
Clogged sink = expensive bill
Pouring pancake batter down the sink also invites your plumber over for dinner (and a pretty bill). Between the unblocking costs and possible repairs, you might quickly regret that minute of carelessness.
Why it’s also bad for the environment
Beyond the damage in your pipes, think about what happens next: the batter ends up in treatment plants. And believe me, it’s not their best friend. The fats disrupt the entire water treatment process and can end up polluting rivers. So, if you want to make a small gesture for the planet, skip the sink.
Solutions to avoid waste (and save your sink)
Now that we’ve seen why it’s a bad idea to throw the batter down the sink, let’s talk solutions. Because let’s be honest, we don’t want to waste that delicious batter. Here’s what you can do instead.
1. Put it in the freezer
This is THE easy solution. Pour the leftovers into a bottle or tupperware, leave a little space to prevent it from exploding, and off to the freezer! This will save you time the next time you want to make pancakes. And no need to thaw everything: just cut what you need.
2. Use it for other recipes
Why limit yourself to pancakes? Your batter can become the base for other fun recipes:
- Fluffy waffles (yes, it’s possible with pancake batter).
- Express pancakes for breakfast.
- An improvised clafoutis by adding fruits.
3. Compost it (if you can)
If you have a composter, your batter can go there. The bacteria working in your compost love this type of food (just avoid putting too much). Result: zero waste, and super rich compost for your garden.
4. Throw it in the trash (as a last resort)
OK, it’s not ideal, but it’s still better than tossing it down the sink. Put it in a sealed bag to avoid bad odors.
What to do if the batter is already in the sink?
Have you already made the silly mistake? Don’t panic, we can still save the day. Here’s a little home method to limit the damage:
- Pour boiling water down the sink for 2 to 3 minutes.
- Add a generous amount of dish soap (the most degreasing possible).
- Continue with hot water to dissolve the fats.
And above all, do it right away! The longer you wait, the more solid the batter becomes, and there, it’s game over.
Tips to avoid leftovers
The best waste is the one we don’t produce. So, if you want to avoid leftover batter, here are some tips:
- Calculate the right quantities: Generally, 50 cl of milk, 200 g of flour, 2 eggs, and a pinch of salt are enough for about ten pancakes. No need for more.
- Prepare pancakes in advance: If you have leftover batter, make extra pancakes. You can keep them in the fridge or freeze them for reheating later.
Summary table: the options for managing leftover pancake batter
| Option | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| Freezing | Practical, quick, zero waste | Requires some space in the freezer |
| Reuse in recipe | Creative, economical | May require a bit more preparation |
| Composting | Eco-friendly, ideal for a composter | Not possible if you don’t have compost |
| Trash | Simple, no special equipment | Food waste |
And you, what do you do to avoid waste?
Now that you know all the tips, there’s no excuse for throwing pancake batter down the sink. So, put these tips into practice and share this article with your friends. Who knows, it might save them from an unexpected (and costly) plumber visit! If you want to discover more kitchen tips or easy recipes, click here to explore our guides.
Céline, a crêpe enthusiast, shares her recipes and tips on her blog dedicated to this culinary art. As a passionate blogger, she explores all aspects of crêpes, from traditional to innovative creations. Join her for delicious and inspiring culinary adventures!
