Today is Shrove Tuesday AKA Pancake Day. I grew up with the tradition of pancakes on the Tuesday before Lent, I think mainly because Mum liked making them for dinner (well making crepes because Dad doesn't much like pancakes) because we are not in anyway religious, but in case if it is not a tradition you are familiar with, Wikipedia describes this Shrove Tuesday tradition as:
In most traditions the day is known for the eating of pancakes before the start of Lent. Pancakes are eaten as they are made out of the main foods available, sugar, fat, flour and eggs, whose consumption was traditionally restricted during the ritual fasting associated with Lent.
As it happens we are not going to eat pancakes today but I thought it was still a good day to reflect on the deliciousness that can be found in pancake form.
I learned my base recipe from Jamie Oliver, but I'm sure it is pretty standard. For a generous serve (3 good sized pancakes) for 2 people I use:
1 cup self-raising flour
1 egg
1 cup of milk
To this I add flavourings that reflect my mood, the season and usually, whatever I have in the fridge. A handful of frozen berries, cinnamon and maple syrup make for a very delicious breakfast. A grated apple or pear, some sultanas, more cinnamon, golden syrup and vanilla served topped with icecream is a delicious winter dessert. The mix also makes excellent pikelets which served topped with jam and cream is a very satisfying afternoon tea.
And then of course there are my amazing sour cream and orange pancakes with blackberry sauce which is particularly appropriate at the moment given the abundance of fresh blackberries available (although I did make this recipe from frozen blackberries).
However they are served, pancakes are one of my favourite brunch items and I will happily make room for them in any day.
If you are enjoying pancakes this Shrove Tuesday how will you be serving them?
Mmmm, that recipe is even simpler than the one mum passed on to me. I think it might be time to pull out the fry pan again ... (this blogging thing is going to make me fat! :) ).
ReplyDeleteHmm, maybe I should have mentioned the other important part of pancakes for brunch is the walk around the block that follows it! Actually if you minimise the amount of butter you use to fry and make a sauce from berries, they aren't that unhealthy at all.
DeleteYou're right, it's not really the pancakes that are the problem it's the maple syrup etc that I like to put on them :)
DeleteTo be honest they just aren't the same without loads of maple syrup. It is one of the reasons why I've gone right off the Pancake Parlour - they only have fake stuff there now. Imitation maple syrup does not do the job!
DeleteI wish I had the patience to make pancakes!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the recipe!
SSG xxx
It doesn't take that much patience SSG! I reckon I can whip up a batch in 15 minutes these days. I know people tell you to rest the batter etc etc, but whip it up and bung it in a hot pan I say!
DeleteThat 1-1-1 recipe has always been my default too. I was horrified as a child to discover that a friend's family added sugar to the batter...even then I knew that was very wrong and sweetening was to go on top! Other than fruit, I think pancakes are best adapted after they're made :)
ReplyDeleteWell I do occasionally add sweetners, but only when they are adding an additional flavour like maple syrup. But I agree, the topping is very important.
DeleteWe had traditional tonight - bacon, banana, and maple syrup. We had two batters going - one with gluten free flour, one with regular flour.
ReplyDeleteWe're both very full!
Other than the banana (I really don't like them) that sounds amazing!
DeleteGosh - your fancy sour cream and orange pancakes with blackberry sauce really do look and sound amazing!
ReplyDeleteThey are super yummy - good things come out of using up leftovers! Wondering what to do with half a tub of sour cream was the starting inspiration.
DeleteSounds SO yummy - now I'm terribly hungry for a pancake!
ReplyDeleteYou know what the worst thing is? I wrote this and then I didn't get to eat any as we already had dinner plans. I think I need to make pancakes for breakfast this weekend.
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