It’s Shrove Tuesday! Do you eat pancakes on Shrove Tuesday? I have for years and especially now that I have two little boys, it’s a favourite meal in our home. Do you know the history behind why we celebrate Shrove Tuesday or Pancake Tuesday? Well, it goes back a long way to Anglo – Saxon times when Christians would confess their sins to a priest and be ”shriven” or absolved by the priest for said sins. Shrove Tuesday is the feast celebrated prior to Lent which is the 40 days leading up to Easter. The 40 days reminds us of the sacrifice of Jesus when he spent 40 days in the desert. To mark this time, Christians give up something important to them or enjoyed by them for 40 days. Often, this is a sweet indulgence like chocolate or a fatty favourite treat like baked goods or fried foods. To use up the fatty, sweet ingredients around the house that may tempt, pancakes were traditionally made. They generally require eggs, butter, milk and sugar so they really are the perfect meal for this time.
Also known as Fat Tuesday in New Orleans, it marks the beginning of Mardi Gras which is a time of festivity and indulgence again celebrated prior to Lent and the last time meat and other fatty foods are eaten until after Lent is over.
I’m not a huge fan of fluffy pancakes. I know that’s probably not the popular opinion on pancakes, haha! I also don’t love a paper thin pancake and I don’t enjoy pancakes made with a mix. This recipe for homemade pancakes is perfect as it makes a tender pancake that puffs up a bit but is not too thick and cakey.
Shrove Tuesday Pancakes
Equipment
- 1 non-stick frying pan or griddle
- 1 Whisk
- 1 large bowl
Ingredients
- 2 Cups all-purpose flour
- 1 Tsp salt
- 1/4 Cup Granulated sugar
- 1 Tbsp baking powder
- 2 eggs
- 1 1/2 Cups milk
- 1/4 Cup vegetable oil
- 1 Cup water (or less)
Instructions
- In a large bowl or in a blender whisk together flour, salt, sugar, baking powder. Beat eggs and add to dry mixture along with milk, oil and enough water to make a thick batter that can be easily poured.
- Pour approximately a 1/2 cup of batter into a hot greased pan or griddle and cook until the batter bubbles, then flip over and cook another 2 minutes or so until both sides are nicely browned.
- Put oven on warming option if you have it or around 140 degrees F. Place cooked pancakes on a plate or tray covered with foil in the oven to keep warm until served.