Pancake Day: A Celebration of Flavor and Tradition
In February most people celebrate Valentine's day... but we prefer to talk about Pancake day! Love may make the world go round, but pancakes are never a disappointment :)
In the US, National Pancake Day is celebrated on February 16 every year. Pancake Day, or Shrove Tuesday, is the traditional feast day before the start of Lent - a time of fasting. It was traditionally the last opportunity to use up eggs and fats before embarking on a 40-day fast.
A traditional pancake is made of batter fried in a frying pan, thin and flat and served immediately. Golden syrup or lemon juice and sugar are the usual toppings for pancakes, although you can top them with whatever takes your fancy: chocolate sauce, fruit, or even salty ingredients, why not! How do you like yours?
We have made our own pancakes at BSL, and tried 2 options: plain pancakes and zebra pancakes for a bit of a twist on the traditional recipe - you simply divide the finished batter in half and add cocoa powder to one half to make two-tone pancakes. Let us know if you try that last one!
For more inspiration, here are 6 unusual topping ideas to try on your pancakes this month. So put your apron on and get cooking!
1. Yogurt, granola and fruit - the healthy option
2. Banana, vanilla ice-cream and chocolate sauce - the decadent option
3. Pineapple, coconut flakes and whipped cream - the tropical option
4. Bacon, cream cheese and mushrooms - the full meal option
5. Avocado, rocket and parmesan - the vegetarian option
6. Peanut butter and strawberry jam or syrup - the American option
And if you are in New York City, on our English Outdoors program, here are some of the best places to try pancakes:
Bubby's, Tribeca, Manhattan
Clinton St Baking Company, Lower East Side, Manhattan
Sunday in Brooklyn, Williamsburg, Brooklyn
Café Luluc, Cobble Hill, Brooklyn
Tom's, Prospect Heights, Brooklyn
Westway Diner, Midtown West, Manhattan
Click here for more great Food & Drink options in the city. And join EO to learn English whilst exploring the city.
Bon appétit and happy Pancake day... or month!
