Many countries and cultures share the love of pancakes. The British love pancakes so much, they have named a day in its honor. At the end of February or beginning of March, Brits everywhere are celebrating Pancake Day!
This tradition has become so popular, the makers of lemon juice used advertisement to remind them of the upcoming day and to promote their product. This is a reminder to many excited Brits to purchase their lemons and bags of sugar for their pancakes.
Though no one knows the exact date this tradition began, they know it was to prepare for lent. On Shrove Tuesday, Christians prepare their kitchens for the long fast by using up ingredients such as flour, eggs, and milk, and so, came the birth of the pancake.
Not every country saves a special day to enjoy their pancakes. They have become a favorite breakfast, lunch, and even dinner any time of the year. For example, Holland has become very creative with their pancakes. They have restaurants dedicated to serving large pizza sized pancakes with any topping you like, any time of the day.
Whether you fancy bacon and pineapple, cheese and spinach, or maybe strawberries and cream, they will prepare sweet and savory pancakes for you. The pancakes are so large and so filling, they will keep you stuffed for the entire day.
In America, they prefer a sweeter pancake. Go into any diner and you will see a stack of pancakes somewhere on the menu. Have your sweet tooth ready as they will bring out a large bottle of maple syrup to pour over your delicious stack of yummy pancakes.
Now that this information has you salivating and desiring pancakes, how about giving this new recipe of the humble pancake a try?
Chocolate Banana Pancakes
Ingredients
- 125g / 4½oz plain flour
- 1tsp baking powder
- 1 large egg
- 200ml / 7fl oz milk
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- ½ chopped banana
- 2 tbsp chocolate chips
Place the flour and baking powder into a mixing bowl. Add the egg, milk, and oil, and mix until almost smooth. Stir in the banana and chocolate chips. Heat a frying pan on medium heat, and then add a little oil to coat a thin layer over the pan. Using a ladle, spoon one ladle full of batter into the pan, and cook until golden brown. Flip the pancake, and serve.
Tip: When cooking pancakes, wait for the pancake to create bubbles on top. This is an indicator to let you know it’s time to flip the pancake.
Homemade Whipped Cream
These pancakes are yummy enough naked, but why not indulge yourself with a dollop of whipped cream on top of your pancakes!
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 cup of heavy whipping cream
Add the sugar and cream together in a mixing bowl and use a whisk to whip the cream until it forms peaks.
Tip: An electric whisk will speed up the whipping process. If you do not own an electric whisk, a hand whisk will do, just a little tiring!
