Now that Christmas is out of the way, the next best foodie holiday is quickly approaching… Pancake Tuesday! In 2021, Pancake Tuesday takes place on 16th February so it’s about time you started stocking up on the essentials, depending on how you like your pancakes. We’ve put together a short history of this popular day, the best way to make pancakes and of course, where to go if you want someone else to do the hard work for you!
What is Pancake Tuesday?
This special day has many names but is usually celebrated with pancakes in Christian calendars around the world. Pancake Day, or Shrove Tuesday, is the traditional feast day before the start of Lent on Ash Wednesday. Lent – the 40 days leading up to Easter – was traditionally a time of fasting and on Shrove Tuesday all of the fatty foods leftover in the house were used up, either in the making or the topping of pancakes. The date of Pancake Tuesday changes every year to coincide with the changing Easter holidays but is always 47 days before Easter Sunday. Basically, Pancake Tuesday is the perfect excuse to eat these delicious treats for breakfast, lunch or dinner.
Pancake Recipe:
Pancakes have a very long history, appearing in recipe books as far back as 1439 using very similar ingredients to the ones we use today. As they say, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it! The recipe for excellent pancakes is very simple, it just takes a little patience. The best pancake recipe is easy to remember, just think 3,2,1.
Pancake Ingredients
•300ml of Milk
•2 medium eggs
•>100g of plain flour
•A small pinch of salt
•Optional – a teaspoon of vanilla syrup for extra sweetness.
This should make 8 medium crepe-style pancakes. If you’d like an American style pancake which is generally smaller, thicker and more cake-like, use self-raising flour or a teaspoon of baking powder and cook in the exact same way.
Making the pancakes:
•Whisk the ingredients together to form a smooth batter, adding the milk 100ml at a time to ensure there are no lumps. Allow to sit for as long as possible, ideally 30-minutes.
•Heat a tablespoon of vegetable oil, butter or coconut oil in a frying pan on a medium heat.
•Pour a thin layer of batter into the pan and cook for approx. 30-60 seconds until small bubbles appear on the uncooked surface
•Once you see the bubbles it’s time to flip. Inexperienced cooks might opt to use a spatula but those with a flair for the dramatic might decide to flip using the pan.
•Cook the other side until golden brown & serve immediately so they are piping hot.
Topping the Pancakes
Topping pancakes is a very personal choice and varies between individuals. Some prefer sweet toppings like chocolate, fruit, marshmallows or nuts. Others prefer a more savoury style with bacon & maple syrup or ham & cheese – depending how savoury you like it. Some traditionalists also serve pancakes with a simple square of butter melted on top. Personally, we love our pancakes topped with a classic mix of fresh lemon juice and a sprinkle of sugar.
If you’d rather someone else do it…
While pancakes are a very simple recipe, sometimes it’s nice to have someone else do the hard work for you. Our talented chefs in Herald & Devoy Restaurant in Kildare will put all of their culinary skills to the test and make you the very best pancake you have ever tasted, with toppings of your choosing. Herald & Devoy is part of the gorgeous Osprey Hotel, ideal if you want to make an occasion out of your Pancake Tuesday. After an afternoon spent in our newly refurbished spa or swimming pool, pancakes are the perfect way to refuel.
If you’d like some more information about the hotel or spa, contact our friendly reservations team today. Holiday accommodation fills up very quickly in the hotel so if you are planning an Easter break as a couple, family or individual, make your reservation soon. Our availability disappears faster than hot pancakes! Always book on our website to ensure you are getting the very best rates, guaranteed. We look forward to delighting you with the best pancakes, and the best service, you’ve ever had!
