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Pancake
day
is one of those days when every parent or grandparent should
'give it a go'.
What
can be
cheaper to make than pancakes? Not only is it relatively cheap
to cook but the value that everybody gets from having hours
of fun together in the kitchen is immeasurable.
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| Pancake
day - a great excuse to use up ingredients before Lent |
Pancake
Day or Shrove Tuesday does have a serious religious message.
It was the feast dinner before Ash Wednesday and the start
of Lent.
Shrove Tuesday allowed early Christians a chance to cook eggs
and fats that where likely to go bad during the fast.
On the same day Christians are encouraged to go to confession
where they would be 'shriven' meaning absolved of all sins.
A special pancake bell would ring from churches in London
to summon Parishioners to confession.
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Pancakes
around the world
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There
are many worldwide varieties of pancakes such as the Scottish
one (similar to dropped scones) or Russian
versions called Blinis used as a traditional garnish for Caviar.
Of
course there is the well know French
Crepe - simple with butterscotch sauces or suzette style with
Grand Marnier and orange zest.
Pancake
tossing stems from the Candlemas feast and many issues of
fortune telling games.
If
the lady of a household can toss a pancake perfectly on the
first go then she will never be short of money.
If
however it fails then the first pancake would be given to
the chickens so that they would lay eggs in abundance during
the forthcoming Summer. Or it may be thrown into a tree for
the crows to eat so that they would show gratitude by giving
warning if a fox was about.
Whatever
flavour you decide to do this year, sweet or savory - just
have fun.
As
a Chef I say that whenever you do any food it is all about
the organisation.
However,
Pancake day is different as its about having a go. It is one
of our most humble of fares soaked in festive history.
I
say just see what's in the fridge, chop it all together and
chuck it in.
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Create
the perfect pancake by following Roberts terrific tips
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As
for the tossing if you want to impress members of your family
you may need to practice secretly first.
The
tip for a good pancake toss is to have the right thickness
and make sure the pancake is nicely cooked on the bottom side.
You
need the minimal amount of fat so it doesn't go all gloopy
and then a good firm flick of the wrist.
200g Flour
250ml Milk
150ml Single Cream
3 Eggs
1 Tbl Spoon Sugar
2 Tbl Spoons Oil
Knob of Butter
Method
- Sift the flour into a bowl. Add the milk, cream, eggs,
sugar and oil and beat well till a smooth batter.
- Leave to rest for 1 hour.
- Beat
again just before cooking.
- The
above will make 20 Pancakes 15cm or 6 inches in diameter.
To
cook
- Melt a little butter in a shallow frying pan or Crepe
pan if you have one.
- Pour off any surplus fat.
- Tilt the pan a little, pour in some batter and swirl
it around the pan to spread evenly and wafer thin.
- Once golden and firm on the bottom either toss or flip
with a wide palette knife.
To serve
- Fold, sprinkle with caster sugar and a squeeze of lemon
juice.
- Fold into quarters and serve.
- Top
with fresh Vanilla Ice Cream.
Ideas
for fillings
- Apricots in Rum
- Hot Chocolate Sauce
- Maple Syrup and Almonds
- Wild Mushrooms, Goats Cheese and Watercress
- Bananas and Butterscotch
- Cherries and Sour Cream
- Pineapple and Coconut or Honey and Lime.
For any further tips then feel fee to email me at:gloucestershire@bbc.co.uk
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