There's nothing better than scoffing lots and lots of pancakes on Pancake Day but, let's be honest, making them from scratch can be a bit of a faff.
It's really not easy to whip up the perfect batter and get that lovely crispiness and fluffiness, so most of us just reach for the pancake mix instead.
And even that doesn't necessarily guarantee you won't end up scraping burnt batter off the bottom of a pan - or worse, the ceiling.
Luckily, we have this simple step-by-step video that will help you master the tasty treat on Shrove Tuesday (see above), as well as everything you could possibly need to know about Pancake Day 2019.
So all you have to do is sit back and decide which toppings to have - chocolate spread, bananas, lemons, sugar... Hmmm, feeling hungry yet?
When is Pancake Day in 2019?
Pancake Day, otherwise known as Shrove Tuesday, falls between February 2 and March 9, depending on the date for Easter. It's always the day before the start of Lent on Ash Wednesday and the beginning of the 40 days leading up to Easter. This year it falls on Tuesday, March 5, which is pretty late, isn't it?
Why does Pancake Day change each year?
Pancake Day is the traditional feast day before the start of Lent on Ash Wednesday. Lent is traditionally a time of fasting but the date changes because Easter changes every year.
Why do we celebrate Pancake Day?
The tradition of eating pancakes on Shrove Tuesday started as a way to use up ingredients including butter, milk and eggs that were not supposed to be eaten and would go bad during the period of Lent.
Pancakes, particularly thin and buttery crepes, were a great way to clear the cupboards in one easy and indulgent dish.
Although Pancake Day is enshrined in Christian tradition, it is believed that it might originate in a pagan holiday, when eating warm, round pancakes - symbolising the sun - was a way of celebrating the arrival of spring.
The ingredients for pancakes are said to symbolise four points of significance at Easter and spring time of the year.
Eggs signify creation, flour is said to be the staff of life, salt is for wholesomeness and milk symbolises purity.
What does Shrove Tuesday mean?
The word shrove is a form of the English word shrive, which means to obtain absolution for one's sins by way of confession and penance. Shrove Tuesday gets its name from the custom for Christians to be 'shriven' before the start of Lent.
A bell would be rung to call people to confession and this came to be known as the Pancake Bell.
What is a pancake?
A pancake is a flat cake, often thin, and round, prepared from a starch-based batter and cooked on a hot surface such as a griddle or frying pan, but depending on where you live pancakes can look and taste different.
In this country, pancakes are often unleavened, and resemble a crepe.
The typical English pancake is thin and light and not dissimilar to a French crepe and usually eaten with sugar and lemon, or Golden Syrup - though many other toppings can and are used.
In the USA, pancakes are similar to a Scotch pancake or drop scone. They are thicker and spongier and are often eaten with warm maple syrup and crispy fried bacon.
In Scotland, Wales and Ireland, pancakes tend to be thicker, slightly risen and cooked on a griddle. In Scotland, they are (unsurprisingly) known as Scotch Pancakes. In Wales, pancakes are known as Cremopg. In Ireland, they are referred to as Griddle Cakes or Boxty, if made with potato.
French crepes and Italian crespelle are not unlike each other. Both are ultra-thin, light pancakes and feature heavily in both cuisines as savoury and sweet dishes.
How to make the perfect pancake
For any good pancake, you need to start with the basics. This recipe should serve four, so just double it if you've got more mouths to feed - or you're feeling really hungry.
- 2 eggs
- 100g plain flour
- 300ml milk
- 1 tsp vegetable oil
- Pinch of salt
- Lightly whisk the eggs
- Make a small well in the flour and add the salt and oil
- Pour the whisked eggs into the flour
- Add half of the milk
- Mix well then add the rest of the milk
- Warm the pan - and add a little oil (then tip away the excess)
- Pour the batter mixture into the pan and fry for a few seconds
- Flip it! Fry for a few seconds on the other side
Add your favourite toppings and tuck in!
Now it's time to flip your pancake
- Add your batter to the pan (just under a ladle full is the perfect amount) and immediately start tilting the pan until you have an even layer.
- Cook the pancake for approximately 30-40 seconds and when it is ready use a palette knife to lift the pancake carefully.
- If the underside is golden-brown turn it over or toss it, if you're feeling brave - just be careful when you're doing this that you don't burn yourself.
- Cook the other side for approximately 30-40 seconds and finally transfer to a serving plate and add toppings.