The History of Pancake Day
Pancake Day is the informal name for Shrove Tuesday. The last day before Lent. On Ash Wednesday (the following day) Christians traditionally started a period of abstinence, giving up luxuries such as sugar, butter and other rich foods. Shrove Tuesday is always 47 days before Easter Sunday so it moves accordingly from year to year. It always falls between the 3rd of February and the 9th of March.
This year (2019), Pancake Day is on the 5th of March.
It is the last day of the luxuries, using up all the fats, sugar and eggs that will shortly be forbidden.
In many other countries, it's called Fat Tuesday, Fettisdagen to the Swedish and Mardi Gras to many Americans and France). Iceland has the brilliant name 'Sprengidagur', Bursting Day! So corral your goodies, round up some friends and stuff your faces in the traditional manner.
There are pancake races in the UK, where contestants have to toss their pancakes in a frying pan as they run. There's also a long tradition of attempting to toss at least one pancake (often the first one as it tends to be the trial run and not quite as tasty as others!)
Pancake Recipes
The basic recipe is simply four ingredients, flour, eggs, milk and butter. Often a pinch of salt is added and some choose to add additional yolk or cream for richer pancakes. Many people advise letting the batter rest for half-an-hour in the fridge before cooking them.
There are millions of variations on the basic recipe, for example, in Scotland small, sweet pancakes are often referred to as drop scones, however, in the rest of the UK, they're referred to as Scotch Pancakes! They are similar to the US version try these Cinnamon Pancakes with Blueberry Compote for an American take on pancakes.
Or this recipe for Gluten Free Blueberry Pancakes.
For a healthier treat, try Spelt and Chestnut Pancakes for a sweet and nutty version.
If you haven't got much of a sweet tooth, savoury pancakes are probably for you instead, this basic Gram (Chickpea) Flour recipe lends itself well to any savoury fillings.
Or if you're feeling more adventurous why not try Carrot Pancakes? Or these Paleo Pumpkin pancakes for a serious protein boost?
Pancake Mixes
There's a good range of pancake mixes here.
Coeliacs and those sensitive to gluten might want to try Amisa's Organic Pancake Mix with buckwheat and wholemeal flour, perfect for sweet or savoury dishes.
For vegan pancakes try this Buckwheat Pancake Mix from Orgran, combine with a vegan egg replacer and enjoy with your favourite toppings.
If you want the easiest option, go for Orgrans's Gluten Free Apple and Cinnamon Pancake Mix, just add water and hey presto, pancakes minutes later.
For a more savoury option try Orgran's Buckwheat Pancake Mix.
If you're making pancakes from scratch, here's our range of flours, along with many gluten-free options here.
Toppings for pancakes
Maple Syrup is a hugely popular topping, try one of our range for a natural, sweet treat.
The classic lemon juice and sugar can easily be given a twist, try orange juice or mango slices, with a dollop of Greek yoghurt.
Vegans could try pecans, banana and vegan ice cream for a sweet tooth, or simply add tomatoes and mushrooms as you cook the pancakes for tasty savoury options.
Blueberries are always popular, as is simply chopping your favourite veggies and letting your guests make their own combinations. Try goat's cheese and spinach with a sprinkling of pine nuts, or chocolate spread, peanut butter and banana for a tasty combination.