Pancake Day – Shrove Tuesday, 25th February 2020
Pancake Day or Shrove Tuesday is on 25th February this year, meaning homes across the country will be tucking into this treat come Tuesday morning.
But why do we eat pancakes on Shrove Tuesday and what is the meaning behind it?
Why Do We Eat Pancakes on Shrove Tuesday?
In Christian tradition, the 40 days before Easter Sunday are known as Lent. Christians mark the time that Jesus spent fasting in the desert – 40 days – by fasting and praying.
Foods, such as meat, eggs, fish, fat and milk was known as luxury food and by fasting all the meat would be eaten on Collop Monday. But Tuesday became known as Shrove Tuesday, this was when the eggs, butter and fat were used to ensure it was all gone for Lenten season.
And yes the easiest way to get rid of it was to make pancakes or a fritter. So then was the tradition of Pancake day came about to which British homes up and down the country will be cooking come the morning of Shove Tuesday.
Lets get Cooking!!
Here is my super simple recipe for the fluffiest American pancakes. I tend to batch make them for the kids and will store the rest either in the fridge or freezer. A quick blast in the microwave topped honey and fruit for a super easy breakfast.
Ingrediants
240g plain flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda
1 teaspoon salt
3 teaspoons sugar
500ml buttermilk (or can substitute 400ml of milk)
4 tablespoons butter, melted
2 large eggs, separated
Method
- Mix up all the dry ingredients in a large bowl. In a separate bowl whisk the buttermilk, melted butter and egg yolks.
2. Slowly add the whisked mix to the dry ingredients whisking it to mix. Don’t worry about it being smooth.
3. Whisk the egg whites in a clean bowl until they make soft peaks. Don’t overwhisk them.
4. Slowly fold the egg whites into the batter.
5. The batter should be slightly lumpy for best results.
6. Heat a non stick frying pan brushed with butter. You want a greasy surface not a wet one!
7. Drop 2-3 tablespoons of batter for each pancake into the pan.
8. Cook on a medium heat until bubbles form then flip and cook until golden.
9. Serve with your favourite topping.
These are a huge hit with the whole family and great fun to get the kids involved with mixing and maybe having a dabble at flipping the pancakes. Why not try something different, experiment or just go all crazy in your kitchen cupboards?!
I want to know what are your favorite toppings on my Facebook page. Do you have them in the morning or evening? What other traditions do you and your family have around Pancake day?
Don’t forget to receive 50% off your booking fee with Rayah Sunshine Photography. Just quote ‘PANCAKES’ on your enquiry form. The offer ends 29/02/2020.
