Pancakes are associated with the day preceding Lent because they were a way to use up rich foods such as eggs, milk, and sugar, before the fasting season of the 40 days of Lent. The fasting emphasized eating plainer food and refraining from food that would give pleasure. In many cultures, this means no meat, dairy, or eggs.

In Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom, Ireland and New Zealand the day is also known as "Pancake Day" as it is a common custom to eat pancakes as a meal.

We would like to share our way to make the perfect pancake!

Serving approximately 8 people, you will need the following ingredients:

125g plain flour

A pinch of salt

1 egg plus 1 egg yolk

225ml whole or semi-skimmed milk

A small knob of butter

1. Sift the flour in a large mixing bowl and add a pinch of salt. Make a well in the centre, and pour the egg and the yolk into it. Mix the milk with 2 tbsp water and then pour a little in with the egg and beat it together.

2. Whisk the flour into the liquid ingredients, drawing it gradually into the middle until you have a smooth paste the consistency of double cream. Whisk the rest of the milk in until the batter is more like single cream. Cover and refrigerate for at least half an hour.

3. Heat the butter in a frying pan on a medium-high heat; you only need enough to grease the bottom of the pan. It should be hot enough that the batter sizzles when it hits it.

4. Spread a small ladle of batter across the bottom of the pan, quickly swirling to coat.  When it begins to set, loosen the edges, and when it begins to colour on the bottom, flip it over/toss it and cook for another 30 seconds.

5. Pancakes are best eaten as soon as possible, but if you're cooking for a crowd, separate them until you're ready to serve by layering them between pieces of kitchen roll.

Once you have your perfect pancakes the next thing to do is choose from the multitude of toppings available! Some of our favourite toppings are listed below:

Honey

Lemon Juice

Cream

Berries

Maple Syrup

Custard

Cinnamon or even Chocolate.

Happy Pancake Day Everybody! We hope you enjoy!!