pancake day

in the UK, today is known as shrove tuesday but more importantly pancake day. in the states we would refer to this day as fat tuesday. it is the day before lent where people used up foods like eggs, milk and sugar before the fasting season of the 40 days of lent.

at work, during our usual afternoon tea break, the dining hall prepared pancakes for everyone. (here in the UK, when people refer to pancakes, they are referring to what i would call crepes.) the british way is to eat them with lemon juice and sprinkled with sugar.

the night before i had decided to make more pancakes for dinner. however since my housemate is on a gluten-free diet, i altered my usual recipe with gluten free flour. it turned out really nicely. my first time changing an ingredient to gluten free. i invited another friend over to enjoy pancakes with me. i made a lot assuming i would have leftovers, but both of us must have been hungry because we ate them all.

i think i could keep practicing this tradition of pancake day!

here is my recipe for pancakes (crepes).

1 large egg plus 1 egg yolk
1 1/2 tsp sugar
1/2 cup flour
3/4 cup milk
2 tbsp butter melted

with an electric mixer at medium speed, beat together the egg, egg yolk, sugar, flour and 1/4 cup of milk until the mixture is well blended. beat in the melted butter and remaining milk to form a smooth batter. sieve the batter if necessary. refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

drop a small ladle of batter on a lightly oiled skillet and quickly spread the batter from the center in a circular motion. cook until golden brown on the edges then flip over to lightly brown the other side. remove from the pan, stacking them on a plate.

enjoy with savory or sweet fillings.