Shrove Tuesday, often known as Pancake Day, originated as a pagan holiday. Before the advent of Christianity, Slavs thought that the cycle of the seasons was a battle between Jarilo, the deity of vegetation, fertility and spring, and the nefarious spirits of cold and darkness. They would have a week-long celebration of spring’s arrival, including several activities such as preparing and eating pancakes. The Slavs believed that eating pancakes gave them the strength, light and warmth of the sun since hot, round pancakes were a representation of the sun.
Shrove Tuesday is the last feast day before Ash Wednesday when Lent officially begins. Anglo-Saxon Christians went to confession on Shrove Tuesday and were “shriven” (absolved of their sins) during Lent, the 40 days before Easter. To summon people to confession, a bell would ring. The name “Pancake Bell” was given to this, and it is still rung today.
The exact date of Shrove Tuesday changes from year to year and always occurs 47 days before Easter Sunday.
Pancake Day is one of the most popular food days of the year, and it’s no wonder – what could be better than delicious pancakes? However, with so many delicious pancake recipes, it can be hard to choose which one to make. To make things easier, we’ve compiled a list of our top five favourite pancake recipes.
1. Buttermilk Pancakes
A classic pancake recipe that will never go out of style. Perfectly fluffy, buttermilk pancakes will satisfy any pancake craving.
2. Chocolate Chip Pancakes
For those with a sweet tooth, chocolate chip pancakes are the perfect indulgence. Top with a dollop of whipped cream and some extra chocolate chips for an extra special treat.
3. Ricotta Pancakes
For a cheesy twist, ricotta pancakes are packed with flavour. The ricotta gives them a creamy texture, and they’re perfect for a special breakfast or brunch.
4. Blueberry Pancakes
Fresh blueberries add a burst of sweet flavour to these blueberry pancakes. Serve with a spoonful of yoghurt and some lemon zest for a tangy finish.
5. Banana Pancakes
Bananas and pancakes are a match made in heaven. These banana pancakes are moist and fluffy, and the banana flavour is subtle yet delicious.
So, there you have it, our top five favourite pancake recipes. All these recipes are perfect for Shrove Tuesday or, in fact, any day of the year. Whether you’re looking for a classic recipe or something a little out of the ordinary, there’s something here to suit almost everyone’s taste buds. So, why not give one of these recipes a try this Pancake Day? We’re sure you’ll love them!
One final tip: if you’re short on time, why not try making some pancakes ahead of the time you’re planning to eat them? All you need to do is prepare the pancake batter, pour it into a jug and store it in the fridge. Then when you’re ready to eat, all you need to do is heat your frying pan, pour the pancake batter in and cook them as usual. This way, you can have delicious pancakes ready in minutes!
