Basic Pancake Recipe

It's "Pancake Day"!!

Not that I normally need a reason to eat pancakes but I figured I should know why so many of us indulge in the mighty flapjack on this particular day. Here's what I found out. "Pancake Day" is also known as Mardi Gras (in French speaking areas of the USA) or Shrove Tuesday. Shrove Tuesday is the day before the beginning of Lent - 47 days before Easter when some Christians give up, or abstain, from certain things. Because pancakes are made from butter, eggs and milk (traditionally foods that were given up for Lent) Shrove Tuesday was a one last chance to indulge before giving up some favourite foods for Lent.

I actually made this recipe on Friday night because the kids and I had a hankerin' for BFD (Breakfast For Dinner). I'm giving myself the night off from making dinner tonight so Brad and I are taking the kids to a local church to support their Shrove Tuesday festivities (all proceeds helping the food bank which is always a great charity to help out).

If you're hunkering down at home for your pancake fix, here's my 'go to' pancake/waffle recipe. We're die hard pancake eaters so I always double the recipe. If there are any leftovers (highly unlikely) I pop them into the freezer so I can throw them in the toaster on those busy before school mornings. The following is the recipe with the doubled amounts

Basic Pancake Recipe

Yield: 12-16 pancakes

2 eggs

4 tbsp vegetable oil

1 1/2 cups milk (or buttermilk)

2 cups all-purpose flour

2 tbsp baking powder

1/2 tsp salt

2 tbsp white or brown sugar

vegetable oil

Optional Additions: blueberries, diced apple, chocolate chips

In a large bowl, beat eggs. Add 4 tbsp vegetable oil and milk. Mix well.

Combine dry ingredients in a medium bowl. Mix then slowly add to wet ingredients.

Heat skillet or electric griddle to medium heat. Pour approximately 1/4 cup of the batter onto the griddle. Cook pancakes until large bubbles form and pop in the centre and the outside edges appear dry. Flip and cook the other side for a minute or two.

Recipe From: "Betty Crockers: Everything You Need to Know to Cook" pg 49

If you're in the mood for some sassier pancakes, give the following recipes a try.

Cranberry Orange Pancakes and Sauce

Apple Fritter Pancakes (MY favourite!)