Shrove Tuesday, or Pancake Day as it more commonly referred to, has arrived and we at Lifeline24 hope that you have a brilliant day creating and eating your very own pancakes.
We are taking the opportunity in our blog post today to explain a little bit more about the day itself and how to make your very own pancakes.
What is Pancake Day ?
Pancake Day (Shrove Tuesday) has been celebrated in Britain for generations. The date itself changes depending on when Easter falls in that year – however it is always celebrated either in February or March.
Pancake Day is always the day before Ash Wednesday – which is the first day of Lent.
The name Shrove Tuesday comes from shrive, meaning absolution for sins by doing penance. The day gets its name from the tradition of Christians trying to be ‘shriven’ before Lent.
Why Pancakes?
It may seem strange at first to as why we all celebrate Shrove Tuesday by eating loads of pancakes but it becomes clear once we look at what pancakes are and what many people give-up for Lent.
Pancakes are full of sugar, eggs and milk – food which aren’t traditionally eaten during the 40 days of lent. Therefore Pancake Day is a perfect way of using all of these ingredients and getting them out of the house before Lent.
Of course there are so many different types of pancakes that you can create so you can throw in all kinds of fatty and unwanted ingredients ahead of the 40-day fasting period.
Pancake Recipe
The traditional Pancake Day recipe is quite simple and contains the following:
- 200g/7oz plain flower
- 350-400ml/12-14fl oz milk, or ½ milk ½ water for a a thinner, lighter pancake
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
- A pinch of salt
It all then depends on the toppings and any extras you wish you add to your pancakes. There are literally hundreds of different recipes to choose from.
A lot of people like to cover their pancakes in maple syrup or chocolate spread. Others choose to add lots of peanut butter or add strips of bacon.
Ice cream, bananas, peaches, ham and cheese, yogurt and jam are just a few other examples of Pancake Day creations.
How to make your Pancakes
Pancakes are quite simple to put together and the majority of online recipes give the same instructions. Of course the only way it becomes tricky is when it comes to the flipping of the pancakes!
This is the ‘moment of truth’ for everybody on Pancake Day. Will the flip be successful or will you be starting all over again with the following instructions:
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- Put the flour into a large mixing bowl and make a well in the centre. Crack the eggs into the middle, then pour in about 50ml milk and 1 tbsp oil. Start whisking from the centre, gradually drawing the flour into the eggs, milk and oil. Once all the flour is incorporated, beat until you have a smooth, thick paste. Add a little more milk if it is too stiff to beat.
- Add a good splash of milk and whisk to loosen the thick batter. While still whisking, pour in a steady stream of the remaining milk. Continue pouring and whisking until you have a batter that is the consistency of slightly thick single cream.
- Heat the pan over a moderate heat, then wipe it with oiled kitchen paper. Ladle some batter into the pan, tilting the pan to move the mixture around for a thin and even layer. Leave to cook, undisturbed, for about 30 seconds and then it should be ready to flip.
- Hold the pan handle, ease a fish slice under the pancake, then quickly lift and flip it over. Make sure the pancake is lying flat against base of the pan with no folds, then cook for another 30 secs before turning out onto a warm plate.
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Lifeline24 would advise that you take care when attempting to flip your pancakes! Be careful not to burn yourself and ensure that there isn’t anybody stood too close to you – nobody wants a pancake, or a pan, in the the face.
Eat Pancakes, buy a Personal Alarm
We hope that you all have a great Pancake Day and enjoy eating your lovely creations. Whilst taking a break from making and eating pancakes, why not take a minute to think about how a personal alarm could benefit you in your home.
Our aim at Lifeline24 is to give you peace of mind in the comfort of your home. Our pendant alarm system ensures that help is only one click away should you suffer from a fall – or have a medical emergency whilst cooking pancakes.
All you have to do is press the big red button on your Tunstall pendant – worn around your neck or wrist – and a member of our 24/7 Response Team will speak to you over the base unit’s loudspeaker system.
Depending on the situation, they will then contact one of your emergency contacts – usually family members or neighbours – along with the emergency services.
Our personal alarms are available on three different price plans – The Annual Plan, Monthly Plan and Lifetime Plan – and are delivered the next working day for free if you order before 4.30pm, Monday – Friday.
Order today using the discount code BLOG2016 and you will receive £10 off the price of our Annual and Monthly Plans.
* Please note, Pancake Day cooking instructions taken from http://www.gazettelive.co.uk/whats-on/food-drink-news/how-make-pancakes-foolproof-recipe-10829379.
