Bob McCarty Writes

Recently, I read an article about a new product, Batter Blaster™, which holds the potential to revolutionize the way the world does breakfast.

BATTER BLASTER™

What is Batter Blaster™? Judging from the description on the company web site, it is, essentially, pancakes (or waffles) in a pressured can, not unlike those that contain whipped cream or spray cheese (i.e., Cheez Whiz® and Reddi-Wip®). Unlike its distant canned cousins, however, Batter Blaster™ is organic. A look at its nutrition label reveals that it’s relatively healthy as well.

Knowing immediately that I had to review this product for readers of Bob McCarty Writes, I contacted the company that makes it. After explaining via e-mail my interest in reviewing their product, I was promised — and later received — a sample of Batter Blaster™.

Shipped via standard overnight delivery from the San Francisco area, it arrived at the Bob McCarty Writes test kitchen Thursday inside a box bearing a bright red “KEEP REFRIGERATED” sticker. I opened it immediately and put its contents — one 18-oz. can of Batter Blaster™ — in the refrigerator where it remained until testing day — today — when my three pancake-testing experts were out of school.

At 8 a.m. dull (as opposed to sharp), we fired up the skillet, retrieved the can of Batter Blaster™ and began reading:

• First, we read the instructions — the condensed version of which could read, “Shake, point and shoot!”

• Next, we read the nutrition label which explained that we should expect to be able to make 28 four-inch-diameter pancakes. [Note: I have never -- and will never -- be involved in cooking pancakes that small.]

Now comfortable with the prospect of making pancakes without having to make a mess (e.g., combine eggs, water and powdery pancake mix in a mixing bowl and then dollop batter onto the skillet), we began the process of making about a dozen pancakes, most of which measured at least six inches in diameter. “We” included my wife, myself and two of our three hungry boys.

Asked to rate the experience, all gave it high marks.

What made the Batter Blaster™ experience so nice was the fact that it took what was always a time-consuming — and often messy — pancake-preparation process and reduced it to a one-step affair. Apart from having to rinse plates after eating and having to rinse the spray valve on top of the can of Batter Blaster™, clean up was a snap!

Now, the question is, “Can I recommend this product to you, my loyal readers?” The answer is a resounding “Yes!”

Batter Blaster™ is now available at retailers in 10 states, and company representatives hope to complete a nationwide roll-out by July 2008. You can help speed up the process by asking your local grocery store or supermarket to carry it.

[Editor's note: Other than a satisfied Saturday morning appetite, Bob McCarty Writes received no compensation for reviewing this product.]