Recipe: Pancakes

I’ve always loved pancake Tuesday, it brightens up one of the most dark depressing times of the year, it’s one of the signs that Spring is coming and Easter is 40 days away, and is an excuse to fill up on yummy pancakes.

Otherwise known as Shrove Tuesday, it is the day before Ash Wednesday which is a fast day. As many people fast throughout lent, people traditionally used up all the rich ingredients – flour, milk and eggs before lent would start, thus Shrove Tuesday became known as Pancake Tuesday. Nowadays people might give up one or two things for lent but usually don’t fast completely, but we haven’t lost the tradition of making pancakes on Shrove Tuesday. Pancake Tuesday falls on Tuesday February 12th this year.

Basic Pancake Batter

This makes 4 large pancakes but I’ve often doubled and trebled when necessary.

1) Whisk together 120g plain flour (sieved), 1 egg (beaten), and 1/2 pint soya / rice milk. I used Alpro Soy original. If you have time, leave batter in the fridge for a few hours before using.

2) Use sunflower oil to grease the frying pan.

3) Ensure pan very hot. Pour in small amounts of the mixture, tnough to thinly cover the base of the pan.

4) As the batter cooks  you will see it start to come away from the edge. At this point toss it or turn it over to cook the other side.

5) Serve with sugar& lemon, jam, golden syrup, or whatever your favourite dairy free topping is.

6) Enjoy!

*If some family members take dairy and some don’t, you can use the same recipe with low fat or full fat milk instead of the soya milk. I make one jug of each and use one pan for each.