Final answer:
Making pancakes from scratch can be challenging because it requires understanding the chemistry-like relationships between ingredients and getting their proportions right. Limited amounts of key ingredients, like eggs, can restrict the number of batches that can be made.
Step-by-step explanation:
The challenge in making pancakes or waffles from scratch involves understanding the relationships between ingredients and getting the proportions right, which is akin to everyday chemistry. A common mistake might be having an excess of one ingredient and not enough of another; for example, an individual might have a full bottle of vegetable oil and plenty of pancake mix and milk, but only two eggs.
Moreover, for a larger group requiring, say, two dozen pancakes, one has to increase the ingredient amounts proportionally. If the basic recipe calls for 1 egg, then to make 24 pancakes, depending on the batch size specified by the recipe, the cook might need multiple eggs to meet the demand. In a scenario with 9 cups of pancake mix, for instance, one would need 4½ eggs and adequate milk to keep the ratios consistent.