Hi!
Shrove Tuesday, or in my world Pancake Tuesday, will be celebrated on Tuesday 16 February this year. This day marks the last day before the beginning of Lent. Lent is a time of abstinence and repentance, so Pancake Tuesday is the last day to indulge yourself with a treat made with butter, eggs and sugar, all decadent ingredients that would be given up for Lent.
All over Ireland people will be enjoying pancakes. And many people buy pre made pancake batter in a box or a squeezy bottle. Not realising how truly simple pancakes are. The batter is simply made up of flour, egg, milk, melted butter and a pinch of salt. These are mixed together to form a batter. The pancakes will turn out even better if you allow the batter to rest in the fridge for 20 minutes. Invest in a good crepe pan and you will have perfect pancakes, crepes and even omelettes. I use clarified butter to cook my pancakes as it doesn’t burn. You can make your own by simply melting butter in the microwave. Allow the melted butter to stand. The milk solids, which is the bit that burns, will sink to the bottom, and the clear fat will float to the top. Heat your crepe pan over a medium heat, add a little clear butter and swirl. Pour in a ladle of pancake batter and swirl quickly. Allow to go golden on the underside then flip over with a palette knife. Keep the pancakes on a warm plate when you’re finished making them.
My basic pancake batter doesn’t contain sugar so you can fill with a savoury or sweet filling. I am very fond of a savoury pancake filled with creamy chicken and mushroom and topped with cheese. Or you can use leftover savoury mince, add some chopped peppadews and top with grated cheese. I have included a sweet recipe today for a banana rum filling. Butter, rum, maple syrup and cinnamon are melted together to form a syrup to cook and caramelise the sliced bananas. Fill the pancake, roll it up, and serve with a drizzle of cream and chopped pecan nuts.
Happy Pancake Tuesday!
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Regards
Rozanne Stevens
Filed under: News
