A “Flippin” Busy Week Ahead…

So this week, see’s a busy week ahead, full of celebration days. Starting with my favorite Pancake Day today! You can get pancakes and practically any other food item you could ever wish for on a Royal Caribbean cruise, but they also remember its shrove Tuesday! My personal thoughts are pancakes should be sweet and thin, but I’m not fussy,  i love the thick american style pancakes too! Below is how Royal Caribbean make pancakes, and every year they look forward to Pancake Day. From delicate crepes drizzled with lemon and sprinkled with sugar, to Johnny Rockets’ American-style pancakes with bacon and maple syrup, I can’t get enough of these!.  To help you get in the mood for this delicious day, here are a couple of quick and easy recipes.

American-style pancake recipe

Ingredients

3 Large eggs
1 Heaped teaspoon baking powder
115g Plain flour
1 Pinch salt

140ml Milk
Butter for frying

Method

– Separate the egg white and egg yolks, then put the whites to one side.

– Add the baking powder, milk and flour to the egg yolks and mix to form a smooth batter.

– Then, whisk the egg whites with the salt until the mixtures turns white and begins to form stiff peaks. Fold this into the batter slowly.

– Place a non-stick pan on a medium heat, and melt a small amount of butter. Pour some batter into your pan – the amount depends on how big you want your pancakes to be – and fry for a couple of minutes.

– If you want to add an extra ingredient into your pancakes (blueberries, for example) add it to the uncooked side before you flip it. Otherwise, simply flip and cook until golden. Yum!  

Toppings Royal Caribbean love….

• Bacon and maple syrup
• Strawberries and whipped cream
• Blueberries and crème fraîche
• Banana, cinnamon and honey
• Cream cheese, spinach and chives

Crêpe recipe

Makes (approx.): Six

Ingredients

150g Plain flour
30g Melted butter
1 Large egg
325ml Milk
Butter for frying

Method

– Mix the milk, egg and flour in a blender, then place in a bowl.

– Stir in the melted butter, making sure it has properly cooled before you add it.

– Heat your pan with a small knob of butter, then ladle 2-3 tablespoons of batter, swirling the mixture around to cover the bottom of the pan.

– Flip the crêpe after one minute and cook for a further minute, then add your toppings and enjoy!

Suggested Royal Caribbean Toppings ….

• Lemon and sugar
• Rhubarb compote and sweetened mascarpone
• Nutella and banana
• Raspberries and maple syrup
• Ham and cheddar cheese

Then there’s tomorrow , Valentines day! Ladies and Gents, the shops are still open, there’s still time to buy! If your one of the very lucky couples to be away on a cruise for tomorrow, there are so many perfect opportunities to show your other half , just what they mean to you. Norwegian Cruise Line offers a variety of marriage and romance packages, ranging from extreme luxury to sweet indulgence.  Sparking wine and chocolate-covered strawberries delivered to your stateroom when you embark, and canapés awaiting your return in the evening. They’ll be a dozen red roses delivered, and a romantic dinner for two in La Cucina, Norwegian’s critically acclaimed gourmet restaurant. Before you leave, you’ll be presented with an 8×10 professional portrait to commemorate your extraordinary lovers getaway holiday. Norwegian always offers special Valentine dinners in the Main Dining Rooms, but that is just the beginning, you can also make reservations at one of their Specialty Restaurants. Maybe this is the moment when you are ready to make or renew your vows. You can have your wedding performed in private by a ship’s officer. either way, home or at sea, just don’t forget! 

Then there’s Friday, Chinese New Year! 2018 is the year of the dog, if your not lucky enough to be anywhere near China and its amazing cruise itineraries then fear not, London boasts one of the biggest and best Chinese New Year celebrations outside of Asia. There are some spectacular celebrations whether in  Chinatown or Trafalgar Square. You can expect performances, arts and crafts stools and 100’s of bars and restaurants with open doors.

Whatever your plans this week, have a great February!