Pancake Day, or Shrove Tuesday, is a chance to enjoy pancakes with your favourite toppings, from lemon and sugar to fruit or syrup.

Here’s a simple pancake recipe and the story behind Shrove Tuesday.

What is Pancake Day?

In the Western Christian calendar, Shrove Tuesday falls 47 days before Easter Sunday, so its date changes each year.

Pancake Day is a familiar British name for Shrove Tuesday; in other places the day is celebrated as Mardi Gras or Fat Tuesday.

It precedes Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent in the Western Christian calendar.

Traditionally, pancakes helped use up rich foods such as eggs and fat before the fasting season of Lent. The Church of England explains the tradition.

What’s the best pancake mixture recipe?

There are many ways to make pancakes. This recipe makes a thin batter for English-style pancakes.

You will need:

  • 125g of plain flour
  • 2 eggs, medium sized
  • 300ml of milk
  • Pinch of salt
  • A little oil for frying

Method

  • Beat the eggs together with a fork
  • Sift the flour into a bowl with a pinch of salt and make a well in the middle
  • Pour the eggs into the well and whisk, gradually drawing in the flour.
  • Gradually whisk in the milk until the batter is smooth.
  • Put the mixture in the fridge for at least 30 minutes
  • Heat a little oil in a non-stick pan over a medium heat.
  • Add a ladleful of batter and tilt the pan to spread it thinly.
  • Cook until the underside is golden and the pancake loosens, then flip and cook the other side. Repeat with the remaining batter.

Rolled pancakes with fruit and a dusting of sugar

Why do we celebrate Pancake Day?

Lent is a season of preparation for Easter. In the Church of England’s calendar it lasts 40 days plus Sundays, beginning on Ash Wednesday and ending on Easter Eve.

The name “shrove” refers to the practice of confession and being “shriven”, or absolved, before Lent.