Pancake Day: easy recipes, toppings, decorations
One of our favourite days of the year, Shrove Tuesday, aka Pancake Day, is nearly upon us. This year it falls on February 21st and, as ever, it's on the night before the start of Lent. For those giving up sweets and chocolate right up to Easter, Pancake Day is a chance to have a final blow out. For those who aren’t abstaining, it’s just a good excuse for a treat. Here’s our complete guide to the big day, featuring easy recipes, suggestions for toppings and ideas for a Mardi Gras inspired party set up. Read on for everything you need to guarantee a flipping good time!
Basic pancake recipe
When looking for a simple pancake recipe on Shrove Tuesday, most of us do the sensible thing and turn to Delia Smith for help. Her pancake recipe is as simple as can be, even for once-a-year flippers. According to her instructions, you’ll need 110g of plain flour, two large eggs, a pinch of salt, 200ml of semi-skimmed milk mixed with 50ml of water, and 50g of butter. The flour, eggs, milk mixture and salt should be combined in a bowl and whisked to form a smooth batter. This is then cooked in a frying pan greased with the butter. Take a look at Delia’s recipe page for the exact steps you’ll need to follow for perfect pancakes and make sure you’ve got all the eggs, milk and flour you need ahead of the day itself.
Alternative pancake recipes
If you prefer fluffier, thicker American pancakes on Shrove Tuesday then by all means go for it. Like the basic pancakes above, they are straightforward to make and will have your family coming back for more. Here’s an easy to follow recipe from Jamie Oliver. And for ideas for all manner of alternative pancake recipes, including gluten-free, dairy-free and oat banana pancakes, here’s a handy list.
Pancake party decorations and tableware
We could all do with a bit of colour in our lives right now, and any excuse to brighten up our homes should be grabbed with both hands. Pancake Day is on the eve of Lent and in many countries, including Italy and parts of America, that means a Mardi Gras carnival. Bring the party vibes to your pancake party by picking some fun and dazzling decorations in the colours associated with Mardi Gras: purple, gold and green. The Party Pieces shops has got plenty of options: go for our balloon arch, backdrops and serving platters . Finish off your Mardi Gras theme with a smattering of purple and green heart balloons.
Top toppings
What to put on your pancakes is always a matter of heated debate in any household. Lemon and sugar is the traditional combo to slather on - and it's richly deserving of its classic status. We are also partial to raspberry jam and desiccated coconut, while chocolate spread and banana is another mouthwatering option. Here at Party Pieces, we also love a savoury pancake or two. Cheddar cheese and chopped ham is a winner, as is cheese with mushroom and spinach. Can’t choose between sweet and savoury? Just have both!
If you are going for American-style pancakes for breakfast or brunch, crispy bacon and lashings of maple syrup is the obvious choice of topping. For a healthier version, go for fresh berries and a dollop of plain yoghurt.
Flipping good
Shrove Tuesday demands that you flip out. Kids love watching you try it and, if they are old enough, having a go at tossing a pancake themselves. Make sure the pancake is cooked well on both sides and then go for it. There’s no trick beyond being confident and firm in your flipping. The more hesitant you are, the harder it will be to get your pancake back into the pan in one piece. Share your attempts and your party set ups with us on Instagram @partypieces, tagging us with #mypartypieces. We’d love to get a look at your pancake party!