Pancake Day

Today sees the return of the traditional Pancake Day.

Pancake day, or Shrove Tuesday always takes place the day before Ash Wednesday, which is the first day of the Christian season of Lent. Lent is a time for fasting, so historically people used all their left over eggs and butter – creating pancakes. This tradition has since taken on a life of its own, with many villages and towns holding pancake races, a sporting event in which people race through streets tossing pancakes which dates back to the 15th century.

In Ashbourne Derbyshire, less then 25 miles from John Partridge, they compete in their annual Shrovetide Football game. The game which challenges Up’ards (those born north of the Henmore Brook) battle it out against people born the southside of the Henmore Brook, or Down’ards on a playing field that is three miles long and two miles wide. The game takes on its own twist with players hugging the handmade ball and trying to move it forward toward their stone plinth goal at opposing ends.

 

To celebrate here at John Partridge here is our favourite recipe for the perfect pancakes.

 

 Ingredients:

  • 100g Plain Flour
  • 2 Eggs
  • 300ml Semi-skimmed milk
  • 1 tbsp of oil (either vegetable or sunflower, with a little extra for frying)
  • A pinch of salt

 Method:

  • Place the flour and the pinch of salt into a large mixing bowl and create a small well in the centre. Crack both eggs into the well and incorporate 50ml milk and the tablespoon of oil. Mix and beat together until you have a smooth thick paste.
  • Add an extra splash of milk just to loosen the batter and continue to steadily add the milk whilst whisking until the batter has the consistency of thick cream.
  • Heat the pan to a moderate temperature and add a small bit of oil. Ladle some batter into the pan and tilt to spread the mixture out.
  • After about 30 seconds, it is time to attempt flipping the pancake, to do this hold the panhandle, quickly lift and flip the pancake over. Cook for another 30 seconds until the pancake is a golden brown.
  • Repeat with the rest of the batter and your pancakes are ready to be topped and served however you like.

 

 

Recipe adapted from: http://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/3374/perfect-pancakes

 Image Credit (Top to Bottom, Left to Right):

inlanding.wordpress.com, telegraph.co.uk, photoblog.nbcnews.com, fussfreeflavours.com, aneyeforfood.wordpress.com, brit.co

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