Flipping Great! Why I love Pancake Day.

Shrove Tuesday may be my second favourite holiday, after Christmas of course. I love, love pancakes and the fact that they just use up store cupboard ingredients is the best part. I don't just have them on Pancake Day, in fact it's one of my Birthday traditions that someone cooks me pancakes for my breakfast, normally served with Ben and Jerry's ice cream - it is only once a year after all!

There are so many different recipes for pancakes; but this one is my Mum's and in truth probably my Grandma's and Great Nana's too. It's beyond easy. We make ours up a few hours before, last night in fact so that it can rest and was ready for breakfast pancakes - with lemon and sugar of course!

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Basic Pancakes

This is in old school metric, it's that old! It's also for the British style of pancakes, the American ones are yummy; but just aren't the same.

• 8 oz plain flour
• 1 pint milk (we use UHT pasteurised aka long life, because the batter lasts overnight)
• 2 eggs
• pinch of salt
  
  Butter to fry
  Topping of choice
  

1. Mix all the ingredients up in a jug or bowl, then cover and leave to rest.
2. When you're ready melt a small knob of butter, about a quarter of a teaspoon in a non-stick pan. That's the secret to being able to flip them easily.
3. Give the batter a final whisk then spoon into the pan, using a large serving spoon or ladle is best. I love my pancakes thin and crispy like crepes; but Mum does them thick and chewy. Vary the amount of batter you use - it's trial and error to get the perfect pancake for you.
4. Cook until it starts to go golden round the edges. Don't rush it!
5. You can have a sneak peak and check underneath by using a spatula to lift the edge. It should be golden brown; but the colour may be in patches.
6. Shake the pan to loosen the pancake and then with one quick, sharp movement, flick it up into the air and if you're lucky you'll catch it too. It takes confidence, you can't do it half-heartedly. Commit and go for it!
7. Or just use a spatula, that works too!
8. It's ready once the other side is nice and golden.
9.  Serve with your choice of topping. Personally I don't think you can go wrong with sugar and a squeeze of lemon and I think they taste best eaten with your fingers, fresh from the pan. Yum!

What's your favourite topping? Let me know in the comments. Are you a sweet or savoury pancake person?

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