Tuesday, March 4, 2014

Great Pancakes for Pancake Tuesday!

Happy Pancake Day!! Glad you could make it. Wouldn't want to have given your stack of pancakes away, now, would I? Pour yourself a mug of freshly roasted and brewed coffee to accompany that mountainous stack of pancakes. So where did Pancake Day come from anyway?

In medieval times, Shrove Tuesday (Shrove derives from "shrive", meaning "to confess") was the last chance to indulge yourself and to use up the foods not allowed during Lent, the Christian preparation for Easter. Pancakes were eaten on this day because they contain fat, butter and eggs which were forbidden during Lent.

Whether you observe Lent or not, why not join in the fun of Pancake Tuesday? Pancakes are quick, easy and inexpensive to make for just one or a whole crowd.

My favourite is Buttermilk Pancakes and here's a recipe from Canadian Living, eh.

A splash of vanilla and a small pat of butter are the secret ingredients to these decadent, fluffy pancakes.


Ingredients

    1-1/2 cups (375 mL) all-purpose flour
    3 tbsp (45 mL) granulated sugar
    1 tsp (5 mL) baking powder
    1 tsp (5 mL) baking soda
    1/4 tsp (1 mL) salt
    1-3/4 cups (425 mL) buttermilk
    1 egg
    2 tbsp (30 mL) butter, melted
    2 tsp (10 mL) vanilla
    1 tbsp (15 mL) canola oil
      

Preparation

    In large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt. In another bowl, whisk together buttermilk, egg, butter and vanilla; pour over dry ingredients and whisk until combined but still slightly lumpy.

    Lightly brush large nonstick skillet or griddle with some of the oil; heat over medium-high heat. Using scant 1/4 cup (50 mL) per pancake, pour in batter; spread slightly to form pancakes. Cook until bubbles appear on top, about 3 minutes. Flip and cook until bottom is golden brown, about 1 minute. Transfer to rimmed baking sheet; cover and keep warm in 250°F (120°C) oven.


When you serve them up, don't forget a generous splash or two of Canadian Maple Syrup, eh!

Of course, today we are recommendedly (there he goes inventing new adverbs again!) forbidden to indulge in pancakes among other tasty things because of heart disease, cholesterol, et al. But sometimes, you've just got to let go. Know what I mean?

See ya, eh!

Bob




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