The sweetest day of the year: celebrating Pancake Day

With spring right around the corner, it is once again time for one of the best days of the year. On Tuesday, March 4, kitchens around the world will be filled with the smell of powdered sugar and melted butter, and the sound of sizzling batter, and masterful flipping. The day is the perfect excuse to indulge as its titular dish becomes absolutely mandatory – pancake day. This much-beloved celebration began as a humble pre-Lent tradition before it transformed into the worldwide feast as we know it today.

Pancake Day, also known as Shrove Tuesday, dates back to the Middle Ages in Anglo-Saxon England. The name Shrove Tuesday comes from the Old English word ‘shrive’, meaning to confess sins, which Christians did in preparation for the season of Lent. Lent lasted for 40 days to commemorate Jesus’ 40-day withdrawal into the wilderness before beginning his ministry, and during these 40 days of observance, it was customary to give up certain foods. Hence, Shrove Tuesday marked the final day to use up perishable ingredients like eggs, milk, and butter. Pancakes were popularised as the ideal dish for this purpose.

Many different cultures put their unique spin on pancakes and their recipes, but part of the charm of the traditional English pancake is its simplicity

Throughout Europe, many different countries developed their pancake-centred traditions alongside us. In France, Mardi Gras, is the final day of Carnival, a period of parades, street parties, and indulgence. They traditionally eat crêpes, while in Sweden, they celebrate Fettisdagen, and it is common to eat semla, a type of sweet roll filled with almond paste and cream.

Many different cultures put their unique spin on pancakes and their recipes, but part of the charm of the traditional English pancake is its simplicity. A simple recipe for English pancakes is to whisk together 100g of plain flour, two large eggs, 300ml of milk, one tbsp of oil, and a pinch of salt to create a batter resembling single cream. Rest the batter for 30 minutes (if you have time) then heat a pan, lightly oil it, and cook pancakes for one minute on each side using half a ladle of batter per pancake. Then, once you’ve created your favourite pancake base, there is a whole universe of toppings to explore.

A squeeze of lemon juice and a sprinkle of sugar is a safe and classic choice, creating a delicate blend of flavours that is as sweet as it is refreshing. Another timeless option is chocolate, whether that be a spread like Nutella or even chocolate chips, and these often pair wonderfully with fruits like bananas and berries, or seasonal fruits such as oranges, grapefruits, and kiwis. If you prefer a savoury pancake, there are also plenty of choices, ranging from crispy bacon and fried eggs to smoked salmon and cream cheese. Whatever your preference, there are infinite combinations to suit every taste.

With its rich history and global variations, it’s a perfect opportunity to celebrate with friends and family, both honouring traditions and creating new ones

There are plenty of places around Coventry and Leamington Spa to visit for pancakes around this time of year as well. Creams in Coventry is a fantastic sweet shop that sells hot drinks, bubble tea, and cake in addition to a variety of crêpes. They are served with ice cream, signature wafers, fresh fruits, and many other toppings. Another choice is Little Dessert Shop, which serves fluffy and beautifully presented pancakes with toppings like melted chocolate, chopped nuts, and berries. Heavenly Desserts have shops in both Coventry and Leamington Spa, and they serve various types of crêpes with a range of unique toppings like honeycomb, caramelised biscuit crumb, chocolate truffles, and gelato. They are perfect if you prefer a more intricate pancake instead of making them at home.

In conclusion, Pancake Day is a timeless tradition that invites everyone to indulge in delicious pancakes, whether sweet or savoury. With its rich history and global variations, it’s a perfect opportunity to celebrate with friends and family, both honouring traditions and creating new ones.