Pancake Tuesday, were it all began

Firstly, where does the tradition of pancake Tuesday come from?

Pancake Tuesday, also known as Shrove Tuesday or Mardi Gras, is a day steeped in history and tradition. It is celebrated on the day before Ash Wednesday, which marks the beginning of Lent in the Christian calendar. Lent is a period of fasting and reflection leading up to Easter Sunday, and Pancake Tuesday has its roots in the tradition of using up rich ingredients such as sugar, butter, and eggs before the fasting period began.

The origins of Pancake Tuesday can be traced back to medieval times, when the Church would encourage its followers to confess their sins and seek absolution before the start of Lent. The word "shrove" comes from the Old English word "shrive," meaning to confess one's sins and receive absolution from a priest. On Shrove Tuesday, people would use up their rich ingredients by making pancakes, which were easy to prepare and delicious to eat.

In addition to being a time of feasting, Pancake Tuesday has also been associated with various customs and traditions. In some parts of the world, it is a day for racing pancakes or flipping them in the air, with the goal of catching them in a frying pan. Others might hide a small item, such as a coin or a ring, in their pancakes, and whoever finds it is said to have good luck for the year ahead.

Today, Pancake Tuesday continues to be celebrated in many parts of the world, and has become a popular event for families and communities to come together and enjoy a delicious meal. Whether you prefer your pancakes sweet or savory, this day offers a chance to indulge in this beloved comfort food and celebrate a long-standing tradition.

Watch my reel on what we cook at our house on Pancake Tuesday!

Here is my recipe for the photo above:

These are easy to make and are great in the school lunchbox or as a delicious brunch, using oats instead of wheat flour.

Ingredients:

100g oats

50g chopped pecan nuts (optional)

1 tsp. baking powder

Pinch salt

1 ripe banana

150ml nut milk (or dairy)

200g blueberries

Coconut oil to fry

To serve: 2 bananas, sliced 1 tbsp. butter (coconut oil if vegan) 1 tbsp. chopped pecan nuts 1 tbsp. maple syrup

Directions:

1.Grind up the oats in a food processor to a powder.

2. Put the oats in a bowl with the baking powder, nuts and salt.

3.Blend the banana with the milk in a processor

4. Mix the liquid with the oats and stir to blend.

5.Heat 1 tsp. coconut oil in a non-stick pan over a medium heat. Drop 1 large tbsp. of the mixture onto the pan for each pancake, cook 3-4 at one time.

6. As you begin to see air bubbles appear from the base of the pancake, push 3-4 blue berries into the half cooked pancake and turn them over, fry for another 1-2 mins.

7.Repeat step 5 & 6 until all pancakes are cooked, place in a warm oven to keep warm.

8. To cook the bananas, melt the butter in a pan, add banana slices and cook until they just begin to caramelise.

9. Serve 3 pancakes per person, topped with the caramelised bananas, natural yoghurt, berries & maple syrup and enjoy!