Tomorrow marks the occasion known as Pancake Day; the time for flipping pancakes and filling them with the flavourings of our choice. Officially called Shrove Tuesday, this celebration of the humble pancake falls on the day before Ash Wednesday, which is the start of Lent. This occasion is synonymous with Easter, where you use up the ingredients in your larder before Lent. Commonly recognised in England, Ireland, Scotland, Australia and New Zealand, it is predominately English speaking countries that follow the traditions this day entails.
Shrove Tuesday, preceding Lent, is the time to give up rich treats and deny yourself your favourite foods for the period of 40 days. The idea of making pancakes, was to use the main food produce that would be available in every household: fat, sugar, eggs and flour. This was so the consumption of these ‘luxury’ ingredients could be restricted during Lent.
The Shrove Tuesday festivities of pancake tossing began centuries ago, with the first pancake race being held in 1445. The tradition has held up throughout the years and still continues to be a well celebrated occasion. The escorts London has to offer are big fans and think the day is pretty great. The traditional pancake is simple, yet the best. A thin but fluffy pancake produced out of homemade batter is the best method. See the BBC food website or alternatives for the best method to make your batter mix. Sprinkle sugar and lemon juice onto a hot pancake for the ultimate classic sweet pancake. However, if you are looking to make these tomorrow, but would like an alternative topping then there are plenty to choose from. Lemon and sugar, however simple and delicious, maybe a little too sweet for some. There are an array of alternatives, both sweet and savoury for you to try.
Whether you choose to use up whatever you have left in your cupboard or fridge or you pop to the shop to buy some truly decadent ingredients before Lent, then you can try some of these ideas. Just because you are following a tradition of eating pancakes for Shrove Tuesday, doesn’t mean they can’t be exciting and alternative. If you’re enjoying them for breakfast try them with maple syrup, blueberries and bananas. Maybe try them as a desert option with clotted cream, chocolate, cherries and strawberries drizzled with a sticky sauce.
If you’d like to eat pancakes for your main dish of the evening or lunch time then a savoury style may be preferred. Try an Italian topped ham and cheese pizza-pancake or make cannelloni with pancakes instead of pasta and bake them filled with cheese and cover them in a tomato sauce. There are so many options of what you can accompany your batter with. Pancakes are so versatile, with their fairly savoury taste they can be sweetened up or you make it more flavourful with cheeses, spice and pepper. Experiment and try something new this Tuesday! Have a flipping good day!
