Pancake Fun!

With Pancake Day nearly upon us, I thought I would pass on a few hints and tips to making a good pancake. The posh people among you might want to call them crepes! But I am from Yorkshire and in Yorkshire we eat good old fashioned Pancakes!

I have to say I don’t follow a recipe and just bung it all in a bowl, but as I said, coming from Yorkshire and being able to make a mean Yorkshire pudding, it is just second nature to me. Having said that I think I am fast becoming a dying breed as everyone seems to buy frozen versions. Not me however, my husband and son would lynch me if I didn’t make my own. But however you make your pancakes the emphasis should be on fun. If you have kids get them involved and make a mess, it’s all part of the process.

Here is a basic recipe if you need one.

Makes around 8 pancakes

1 large egg or I prefer 2

½ pint milk

4oz plain flour (4 heaped dessertspoons)

1 tbsp melted butter

Sift the flour into a bowl and make a well in the middle. Break in the egg and add a pinch of salt and a small amount of the milk. Whisk the egg, gradually incorporating the flour, until it is smooth and creamy. Add the rest of the milk and the melted butter and whisk together.

You can use a blender or processor if you prefer but I do it by hand.

Brush a hot pan with vegetable oil or I prefer to use melted butter as it tastes nicer. Then add a pool of batter in the middle and swirl thinly around the pan. The most important part of the process is next. The tossing of the pancake and I have to say with tongue in cheek I am an excellent ‘Tosser’.

You don’t eat pancakes, why not?

There are many variations you can try; it’s not just the mundane. Why not let your imagination run wild.

Sweet treats!

Chocolate and Strawberry pancakes

Simple make your pancakes then layer them, spreading chocolate sauce on each pancake and adding sliced strawberries, then place the next pancake on top. How many layers? The sky is the limit or the size of your appetite!

Banoffee pancakes

Slice a banana and put the pieces on the pancake. Drizzle over some toffee sauce or maple syrup and roll up. For a finishing touch you could add chocolate sauce on top.

Toffee Apple pancake with cream

Slice an apple and pop in a bowl. Add some lemon juice and mix to stop the apple going brown. Put some butter and sugar in a frying pan and heat until it melts to a golden brown liquid. Add the apple and return to the heat for around 5 minutes to soften. Either spoon onto the pancake and roll inside or fold the pancakes into triangles and serve with the apple mixture on the side and a dollop of whipped cream. Mmmmm! Add cinnamon for a bit of spice!

Zesty pancakes

Make your pancakes and fold into triangles and place on a plate. Pour some readymade custard into a pan and add the zest and juice of a large orange and a squeeze of lime. Heat it gently until warm, stirring to combine the ingredients. Pour over the pancakes and garnish with a little more zest.

Savoury delights!

Breakfast pancake

Cook your pancake then top with streaky bacon and fried or scrambled egg. Add brown sauce if you want an extra kick.

Curried pancakes

Brown off some chopped chicken pieces, add your favourite curry sauce mix or make your own. Once cooked, spoon it on the pancake and add some finely chopped coriander. Wrap it up and serve on a bed of lettuce.

Here are a few fun ideas to make with children or grandchildren.