Pancake 'Printer' Marries Artistry With Breakfast Classic

By John Dodge

CHICAGO (CBS) -- For generations, moms and dads across America have tried to dazzle their kids on the weekends, creating silly designs out of pancakes.

Typically, it would involve creating some sort of animal out of the batter. (Think, Mickey Mouse.)

Miguel Valenzuela aims to change that game, with the Pancake Bot--which is essentially a device that prints flapjacks.

It all started with a Lego model and has evolved into a batter dispensing, printing, griddle gizmo that can create a pancake in any design imaginable.

Here is how it works:

Using the supplied software, create a design on your computer.

Transfer the design file to an SD card.

Upload the design to the Pancake Bot.

Watch the batter dispenser trace the image.

Cook.

Eat.

For those who are less artistically inclined, the Pancake Bot includes pre-loaded designs.

The Pancake Bot is available for advance purchase on Kickstarter.