Flip, flip, hooray, it’s Pancake Day, so grab your frying pan and get cracking for the annual scoffathon.
Shrove Tuesday, also known as Mardi Gras, began as a day of preparation for the 40 days of fasting for Lent.
Eggs, fat and milk were forbidden during this holy period so were traditionally eaten on the feast day.
Pancakes appeared in British recipe books as early as the 1400s, with lemon and sugar used to sweeten them.
Hundreds of years later we still prefer this traditional topping as a study by Whole Earth found 61% will be opt for it today.
So why not buck the trend and try something new? Here are some delicious and original options…
1. Jaffa Cake
Once you have cooked your pancakes spread on a layer of marmalade and top with melted chocolate for the famous flavours of the British biscuit.
2. Salted caramel and pretzel
Salted caramel and ice cream is an undefeated combination, and works wonders on pancakes. Add them as toppings, and scatter pretzels for some crunchy goodness.
3. Caramelised bananas
Why not take banana pancakes to the next level by caramelising the fruit? Simply fry them with oil and sugar until they get a nice golden crust and add as a topping. Delicious with walnuts and a pinch of salt.
4. Baileys
Bring on the booze this Pancake Day by whisking in some Baileys when you add your milk. The sweet Irish cream liquor will add a kick to your day, just be sure to keep them away from the kids.
5. Skewers
Elevate your eating experience by serving a stack of mini pancakes on a stick. Thick fluffy American pancakes work best, and you can add slices of fruit or marshmallows to the stack to make it more fun.
6. Rainbow
Brighten up the breakfast table with this easy hack for making your pancakes look fab. Add in a different food colouring to each batch and then serve in multi-coloured stacks – a feast for the eyes as well as the stomach.
7. Bacon and berries
If you can’t decide between muesli or a fry-up, then why not combine the two? The saltiness of the bacon and the sweet berries bring out the best in each other.
8. Matcha
Japanese green tea powder matcha is all the rage due to its caffeine content and antioxidant properties. Add some into your pancake mix to turn them green, and into a unique and healthy treat.
9. Fried chicken
Chicken and waffles is a top combo, but fried chicken and pancakes works just as well. Add sweet and spicy sauce such as sriracha maple syrup for decadence.
10. Gravy
Yorkshire puddings and pancakes require the same ingredients. All that differs is the cooking method. Therefore, gravy is a delicious pancake topping and you could even serve it as a lunchtime wrap with sausages and onion.
11. Fruit Tarts
Unleash your artistic streak by covering pancakes in Greek yoghurt and tarting it up with slices of fruit and colourful berries.
12. Protein
On a fitness kick? Add a scoop of protein powder into the pancake mixture for an extra boost. Top it off with slices of fruits and you’re ready to hit the gym.
13. Creme Egg
Excited for Easter? Why not crack open some Creme Eggs, heat up the goo with some cream and gloop it all over the pancakes. Serve with half a Creme Egg on top for an extra treat.
14. Paneer
For a savoury Indian pancake, fry the paneer and mix in the curry paste with chickpeas, passata and spinach. Top with coconut yoghurt and mango chutney for a taste explosion.
15. Hot chocolate
For an edible hot choccy, add cocoa powder into the pancake mixture. Serve the pancakes with marshmallow creme, mini chocolate chips and mini marshmallows for a cosy winter snack.
16. Rhubarb and custard
This old-time sweet combination is a winner on pancakes too. Drizzle custard, rhubarb syrup and cooked rhubarb pieces to create this twist on the classic British dessert.
17. Cinnamon roll
When frying your pancake mixture, pipe in a swirl of cinnamon mixture, containing baking powder, caster sugar, cinnamon and a pinch of salt. This way you’ll get the perfect pancake that tastes and looks like a cinnamon roll.
18. Pancake cereal
This is the cutest way to eat pancakes. Pour the mixture into as many tiny circles as possible and serve in a bowl with butter and toppings of your choice.
19. Cookie dough
Chocolate chip cookies are as delicious as pancakes, and this hybrid is even better than both. Add lumps of cookie dough into your pancake mixture, and cook on a low heat for gooey chunks that melt in the mouth.
20. Egg and avocado
Pancakes make a great base for smashed avocado and a fried egg. To make it even better, why not try a recipe for courgette pancakes, which requires you to shred the vegetable and fry with egg, flour, green onion and Parmesan cheese.
