For houses across the UK, tonight marks the last-minute scramble to buy all things sweet and empty the cupboards of anything that could be used to top this sweet (increasingly savoury) treat. Bonus points if you remembered to buy the eggs, well done you!
Pancake Day, or Shrove Tuesday, is a UK tradition that sees the nation donning their chef’s hats, flipping and mixing together all sorts of concoctions you wouldn’t try at any other time. It’s Pancake Day and anything goes!
What is Pancake Day?
If you have never celebrated Pancake Day before, it is a fun event usually celebrated the Tuesday just before Ash Wednesday and 47 days before Easter. Traditionally, Shrove Tuesday was a day when people were absolved of their sins before the start of lent and was an opportunity to use up any eggs, sugar or butter they had in their homes before the fasting period of lent started. This year’s Pancake Day will be celebrated on the 25th February so make sure you mark the occasion!
How is Pancake Day Celebrated in the UK?
Pancake day gives the opportunity for all sorts of silly antics to take place across the UK. It has been a few years since child-me was in the local newspaper for flipping pancakes at the local kid’s club, but on Shrove Tuesday, pancake flipping becomes a national sport. From people running down streets in fancy dress tossing pancakes to local fundraisers counting how many times you can toss a pancake in a given time whilst hopping on the spot. Pancake Day throws up all sorts of weird and wonderful events so be sure to get involved.
Trivia: Pancakes go all the way back to before 1439 when it was mentioned in cookbooks with mentions of tossing the pancakes arriving soon after.
How Do I Celebrate Pancake Day
At home, Pancake Day is very much a family affair, with everyone getting involved, no matter how burned the results. Everyone has their own favourite toppings so a mini-buffet of pancake toppings is the only way forward. From our ‘healthy’ blueberry pancakes to the full-fat dreams, each is thrown into the air in some of the most dramatic cooking styles seen in our kitchen. Extra points if you can get it to turn all the way over.
My Top 5 Pancake Toppings for Pancake Day:
- Lemon & sugar (this has to be my number one topping)
- Syrup or honey
- Chocolate spread
- Ice cream
- Fruit (blueberries work brilliantly)
And if Anyone is Interested in Seeing a Pancake Flipped…
Have your own favourite pancake topping? Let me know in the comments section below!
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