Pancake Day

Flippin’ Tasty

Pancake Day, aka Shrove Tuesday, is here on the 17th February!

Traditionally a time to use up those luxury items of sugar, fat, flour and eggs from the cupboard before a 40-day period of ‘Lent’ abstinence, not only is Pancake Day the first sign that Easter is on its way, it also means we get to happily indulge in a day of tasty treats.

So whether you give them a little lemon squeeze, go nuts for Nutella or are savouring the thought of a brie and bacon savoury, you’ll be needing the perfect pancake mix to start you off.

You’re welcome!

Makes 6–8 pancakes (dependent on size of your frying pan)

Ingredients:

120g plain flour

2 large eggs, lightly whisked

225ml milk

75ml water

1tbsp vegetable oil*

Pinch of salt

*You can use melted butter if preferred. Melt 50g, add 2 tablespoons to the flour and egg mixture and use the rest to grease the frying pan.

NB: Having a mix of milk and water will give you a lighter batter, though you can use 300ml of just milk.

Method:

• Sift the flour into a large mixing bowl and add the salt.
• Make a well in the middle of the flour mixture.
• Add the eggs to the well.
• Add the oil (or butter if you prefer).
• Combine the milk and water together, then slowly add to the flour mix, whisking until all the flour is incorporated and you have a smooth, creamy mixture with a consistency similar to single cream.
• Some pancake purists will say to leave the batter to rest for 5 mins or more to let the gluten ‘relax’ in the mixture. But if you can’t wait, especially if you have the eager mouths of children to feed, this stage isn’t 100% necessary.
• Grease your frying pan with vegetable oil or melted butter, ensuring even coverage.
• Heat the pan over a moderate to high heat.
• Ladle the batter into the pan, then tilt to swirl and distribute the batter evenly.
• Using a spatula or palette knife, check the base of the pancake after about 30 seconds. It should be golden.
• You’re ready to flip! Carefully loosen the pancake with the spatula, grab the pan handle with both hands and flip away to cook evenly on the other side.
• Transfer pancake to a warmed plate and repeat the process until you have a delicious mound of pancakes to devour.
• Serve with whatever takes your fancy and enjoy.