Pancake day.
Happy Pancake Day! Today Tuesday 21st February 2023 is Pancake Day! Also known as Shrove Tuesday, this is an annual event celebrated in the UK and several other countries around the world. The tradition of eating pancakes on Shrove Tuesday dates back to the Middle Ages when people would use up ingredients like eggs, milk, and sugar before the start of Lent. Ash Wednesday, which marks the start of Lent, is a period of fasting and reflection in the Christian calendar leading up to Easter when people abstain from such luxuries. Pancakes were a simple and tasty way to use up these ingredients before the start of the fast.
Traditions
As well as eating pancakes, there are several other customs and practices observed for pancake day in the UK:
Pancake Races: One of the most famous Pancake Day traditions in the UK is the Pancake Race. These races take place in many towns and villages across the country, and participants race while flipping pancakes in a frying pan. The goal is to complete the course while flipping the pancake in the air and catching it in the pan without dropping it.
Pancake Suppers: Another popular tradition on Pancake Day is to enjoy a pancake supper. Many churches and community groups host pancake suppers, which often feature all-you-can-eat pancakes with a variety of sweet and savoury toppings.
Pancake Tossing: In addition to Pancake Races, many people enjoy a friendly game of pancake tossing on Pancake Day. The goal is to flip the pancake as high as possible without dropping it (and without it getting stuck to the ceiling).
Giving up something for Lent: Many people in the UK choose to give up something for Lent, such as chocolate or alcohol, and Pancake Day is the perfect occasion to indulge in a sweet treat before the start of the fast.
Pancake recipes
Today, pancakes are still a popular treat on Pancake Day in the UK, and while traditional pancakes are made with milk, eggs, and butter, it’s possible to make delicious vegan pancakes that are just as fluffy and flavourful. Vegan pancakes are a great option for those who follow a plant-based diet or have allergies or intolerances to dairy or eggs. Although I love thin and crispy pancakes, more often than not I now opt for the slightly more substantial American style pancake. You can find more pancake recipes here, but this one is my current favourite.
Quick and easy, egg-free pancake recipe.
- 200 g plain flour gluten free if required
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 2 teaspoons ground linseeds
- 400 ml milk we used unsweetened carton coconut
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Throw everything in a blender jug and blend until evenly combined.
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Smear a smidge of oil on a non-stick pan and heat until hot.
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Pour some of the batter in the pan and swirl around gently to get a round shape.
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Allow to cook until bubbles form (don’t be tempted to press the pancake down). Flip over and allow to cook on the other side (the second side needs less time).
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Repeat with the remaining batter.
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Either eat as they are cooked, or stack on a plate in the oven (on a low heat) until ready to serve.
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Add your toppings and enjoy!
- If you don’t have linseeds, you can use ground chia instead, or just omit them completely (the batter will just be a bit thinner).
- The batter will thicken on standing.
- Make flavoured pancakes by adding a dash of spice or essence – try cinnamon, ginger, vanilla, coffee or add a tablespoon of cocoa powder.
- Pancakes can be stored in the fridge for up to three days then reheated in a pan or the toaster.
- Eat them one-by-one or create a pancake stack.
- Layer with fruits, nut butters, jams, yogurt, cream, even ice-cream!
- Drizzle with chocolate, syrups, compote or cream.
- Sprinkle with extra fruits, nuts or chocolate.
What do I need?
Hopefully you already have everything you need to make yourself some pancakes! However, here are a few ideas if you’re looking for something new! I do receive a small commission if you click through these Amazon links – but they are standard Amazon prices!
Sharing
I absolutely love pancakes and one of my current favourites is thick American style pancakes with fresh sliced banana, runny peanut butter or biscoff sauce, and a bit of grated chocolate. What’s your favourite toppings? Are you making pancakes? Eating pancakes? Making loads?
I’d love to see your pancake photos (homemade or not)! tag me @LifeDietHealth or using #LifeDietHealth on Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook or Twitter.
Leave me a comment below about anything pancake (thin or thick style?) or anything else… I love to chat!
I hope to speak with you soon
Laurena x
