Pancake recipe is much appreciated.
My solution to dip-problem has been salmon mayo. Works for me, I like salmon a lot and can eat it raw or steamed or in whatever form. I use it like I used to use ketchup.
I ate a fillet beef last Sunday with a good side dish: big basket of fresh button mushrooms, cut in 4 pieces, let them cook on a pan and get color, then take half of regular red pepper and small onion, chop 'em and add to the pan. A few mins more and it's delicious, looks good too.