diff --git a/arduino-mk/Arduino.mk b/arduino-mk/Arduino.mk
index dd9c38f..cb7f01c 100644
--- a/arduino-mk/Arduino.mk
+++ b/arduino-mk/Arduino.mk
@@ -211,6 +211,11 @@ endif
 ########################################################################
 # Makefile distribution path
 #
+
+# Call with the name of the variable, a prefix tag if desired (like [AUTODETECTED]),
+# and an explanation if desired (like (found in $$PATH)
+show_config_variable = $(call show_config_info,$(1) = $($(1)) $(3),$(2))
+
 ifndef ARDMK_DIR
     # presume it's a level above the path to our own file
     ARDMK_DIR := $(realpath $(dir $(realpath $(lastword $(MAKEFILE_LIST))))/..)
diff --git a/arduino-mk/chipKIT.mk b/arduino-mk/chipKIT.mk
index 36eb80c..ea63001 100644
--- a/arduino-mk/chipKIT.mk
+++ b/arduino-mk/chipKIT.mk
@@ -23,6 +23,11 @@
 ########################################################################
 # Makefile distribution path
 #
+
+# Call with the name of the variable, a prefix tag if desired (like [AUTODETECTED]),
+# and an explanation if desired (like (found in $$PATH)
+show_config_variable = $(call show_config_info,$(1) = $($(1)) $(3),$(2))
+
 ifndef ARDMK_DIR
     # presume it's a level above the path to our own file
     ARDMK_DIR := $(realpath $(dir $(realpath $(lastword $(MAKEFILE_LIST))))/..)