Traditionally, pancakes were eaten on this day to use up rich, indulgent foods like eggs and milk before the 40-day fasting season of Lent began. But although it is enshrined in Christian tradition, it is believed that Pancake Day might originate from a pagan holiday, when eating warm, round pancakes - symbolising the sun - was a way of celebrating the arrival of spring and here is one of our favourite recipes.
Stephanies's Special treat for Pancake day
Ingredients:
2 over ripe bananas
2 teaspoons of lemon juice
zest of half a lemon
125 grams of plain flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
Pinch of salt
½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon of soft brown sugar
2 eggs – separated
120mls of milk
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
Butter for frying
- Mash the bananas with the lemon juice
- Sift the flour, baking powder, salt and cinnamon into a large bowl and add the sugar
- Mix the mashed banana, egg yolks, milk, vanilla extract and lemon zest and add to the dry ingredients above.
- Whisk the egg whites until soft peaks form and fold into the batter
- Heat a large frying pan add a little melted butter
- Using a ladle for each pancake cook for 2 minutes on one side then flip over and cook for one minute on the other side.
- Serve with maple syrup and clotted & cream (optional)
