With pancake day just around the corner, it’s time to dust off those frying pans and get ready for a day filled with flipping fun and mouthwatering food. But before we dive into the delectable world of pancakes, let’s take a moment to explore the history of Pancake Day! 

Pancake Day, also known as Shrove Tuesday, marks the last day before the Christian season of Lent. It’s a day of indulgence and feasting, where families and friends come together to enjoy a celebration before Lent begins. The idea is to use up rich, indulgent foods like eggs, milk, and sugar – ingredients often restricted during Lent. And what better way to do that with a stack of pancakes? 

Pancake Day around the globe 

Whilst British Pancake Day is a well-loved tradition, variations of pancake celebrations are scattered across the globe. In Sweden, they celebrate “Fettisdagen”, with Semla Buns; in Russia, it’s “Maslenitsa”, a whole week of pancakes! In the US, Shrove Tuesday is celebrated as ‘Mardi-Gras’, meaning ‘Fat Tuesday’ in French. This is a day where fatty food is used up ahead of lent, although it has now become a huge carnival that is celebrated with street parties across the country. 

English Pancakes 

Similar to crêpes, English pancakes are a simple batter of flour, eggs and milk. They differ from Scotch pancakes, which are somewhere in between English pancakes and American Pancakes (confusing right?!). Perfect with a drizzle of lemon juice and a sprinkle of sugar (this is the favourite topping in the UK), one of the best things about English pancakes is their simplicity, making them a great choice for both sweet and savoury toppings.  

Find a recipe for English Pancakes here. 

American Pancakes 

In addition to the more traditional pancakes served in the UK, there has also been a rise in popularity of fluffier American pancakes. With the use of baking powder, or bicarbonate of soda to leaven the pancakes, you’ll find that they are thicker and more substantial. The batter can often include buttermilk for a tangy kick. American pancakes are renowned for their golden-brown exterior, soft interior and the ability to absorb an array of toppings, from maple syrup to chocolate chips. 

Find a recipe here. 

French Crêpe 

These are paper-thin, created with a simple batter of flour, eggs, milk and a touch of butter. The skill of making Crêpes is in spreading it as thinly as you can across a hot griddle. French Crêpes can be filled with an array of toppings, from the classic Nutella and banana to savoury combinations like ham and cheese. 

Find a recipe for Crêpes here. 

No pancake is complete without toppings! 

Mix and match to create your favourite dish with some of our suggestions: 

• Lemon and sugar 
• Maple syrup 
• Golden syrup 
• Fresh berries 
• Sliced bananas 
• Cooked apples 
• Whipped cream 
• Chocolate chips 
• Nutella or peanut butter 
• Savoury options liked cured meats, cream cheese 

Celebrate Pancake Day in Style 

Wondering how to make the most of Pancake Day? Here are a few ideas: 

• Pancake Party: Gather your flatmates for a pancake-making extravaganza. Share the cooking duties and celebrate the art of pancake flipping together. 
• Pancake Picnic: Take your pancakes outdoors and have a cozy picnic in a nearby park. Don’t forget your favourite toppings! 
• Pancake Potluck: Host a potluck-style event where everyone brings their favourite pancake toppings to share. 

As we celebrate Pancake Day worldwide, let’s embrace the diverse traditions and flavours that make this day truly special. Whether you’re indulging in crêpes, Semla buns, or fluffy pancakes, we hope you make the most of the day!