Laura, Debutots franchise owner in Leeds shares her memories, toppings and all round love of pancakes…
My love of pancakes really started as a teenager. They were something decadent (in my teenage eyes) that I could make for myself and indulge upon, with endless possibilities for topping or filling combinations. There would usually be eggs, milk and flour in the house (thanks Mum) so I was rarely let down when the urge for a flipping good snack bubbled up inside!
Sometimes I’d crave a savoury version. Melted cheese and ham, folded into a triangle quarter like I’d picked up at a crêperie cart in town. Other times just a sprinkle of sugar would hit the spot. The best thing about them to me is their versatility!
Often, we’d also pick up a pack of ready made Scotch Pancakes which, smothered in butter made a get up and go kind of treat but it was my first trip to the USA that really took pancakes to another level for me.
Americans do breakfast right. If it doesn’t come served on 3 plates, is it really a breakfast anyway? I’d always longed to go to a typical diner for a stack of fluffy puffed up pancakes but when I realised they came as a side to your bacon and eggs anyway… well I was in heaven. That 3rd plate with your breakfast is now lovingly known as a “Breakfast Pudding” in our house. Although bacon, pancakes and syrup….yummy….who knew? (P.S. the 2nd plate is for your toast ;))
Anyway, sorry, I digress! Being from Yorkshire a good batter mix recipe has been handed down from generation to generation. Although I admit my Yorkshire Puddings would sometimes look better with lemon and sugar on them than they do with gravy next to your roast, but that’s why I love them, sweet or savoury they are just a joy to make and even better to eat.
Whether you celebrate Pancake Day/Shrove Tuesday for the traditional feast before lent, or your own family tradition is a pancake flipping competition here are a few of my favourite ways to enjoy the quick and easy deliciousness of pancakes.
1: Get different. Forget the chocolate spread (for one pancake anyway) try some Biscoff spread instead. Warm the spread in the microwave for 10 seconds first and drizzle over the top for a lovely gingerbread/biscuity treat.
2. Get creative. Encourage your little ones to decorate their own pancakes with fruit slices to make faces on top of their pancakes. Berries, bananas, oranges, star fruit, kiwi the list is endless.
3. Get Crafty. There’s lots of ideas for disguising fruit and vegetables inside a pancake batter mix. Try mixing a banana, a ripe avocado and egg and a cup of rolled oats together in a blender. Dollop small spoonfuls into a pan for a few minutes either side and serve with yogurt and berries!
4. Get sophisticated. For a more grown up palate, try one of my Dad’s old favourites. Spinach pancakes (wilted spinach added to a standard batter mix), filled with rice cooked with smoked pancetta, sun blush tomatoes and feta cheese. Yum!
5. Get sharing. The best thing about Pancake Day for me is that as a family you can share a meal together, that you can all individualise with little fuss, mess and organisation. And yet it still feels like an exciting event. A family tradition that never gets old.
So there you have it. I am now craving a pancake… a crêpe, blini, a scotch pancake, a third plate of fluffy delight covered in syrup. In fact any of them would do. Although, I’ve not yet tried a wobbly looking Japanese variety! Maybe that’s next on the Pancake agenda. So whilst I’m researching my next recipe I’ll leave you with this little story of how one family enjoy their Pancake Day together. Enjoy!
FLOP THE LITTLE PANCAKE
Flop, the little pancake had started to go cold. He’d been on the plate for nearly 10 minutes now. He was first out of the pan, a bit overdone on one side, not quite golden on the other and not quite a full circle either. He certainly didn’t fill the plate. He’d been nice and hot fresh out of the pan and then had blankets layered over to keep him warm as more of his friends from the mixture had been poured, flipped and stacked on top of him.
He’d listened patiently to the family in the kitchen all chatter with excitement about their Pancake tea, discussing which toppings they were going with.
“Syrup Syrup Syrup!” called Jessie, who was 7! She picked a pancake from the stack, popped it on her plate and drizzled the sweet, sticky golden coloured syrup all over it! The pancake giggled, “it tickles” they said.
“Just lemon & a bit of sugar for me please” Said Mum. She took her pancake and squeezed the lemon all over it. “Oooh it’s cold” her pancake called. Then when the sugar was sprinkled over the top, they cried “Ooh now I’m all fizzy too”.
Tommy, who was 9, had a huge pot of Chocolate spread waiting right next to his plate. He took a spoon and smothered his pancake with the rich dark paste. “Chocolate and……… banana” Tommy cheered. He added banana slices and then rolled his pancake into a long tube. “Whoa” his pancake cried, “I’m all stuck together!”
Flop was getting worried, there was one more pancake on top of him to go then he’d be the last one. He’d be really cold by then and surely no one would want the last cold pancake would they? Especially one that isn’t quite round and evenly cooked.
“Cheese, Bacon & Ketchup for me” Dad said. “Ewwww” the kids cried. “You can’t have that on your pancake Dad!” But Dad just laughed and layered crispy bacon and grated cheese on top of his pancake and then squirted the bright red sauce all over it. “Mmm” his pancake sighed. “Smells good and feels kind of soggy and crunchy at the same time!”
Flop was still on the plate. Completely flat cold. He was sure he’d missed out and was going to end up in the bin. Everyone else had experienced the joy of Pancake Day and he was going to be flopped into the bin with the leftovers!!! It just wasn’t fair!
“Who wants this last pancake then” Dad asked? “Nah”, everyone cried together, “it’s gone cold”. “Only one thing for it then” said Dad.
Oh no, thought Flop. This is it, I’m going in the bin!
When suddenly…. Flop felt something icy cold, smooth and creamy being scooped on top of him. Quickly followed by hundreds and thousands of sprinkles that looked like bits of the rainbow. A few juicy berries and a big dollop of squirty cream topped it all off! Flop felt amazing!
“Ta Da!” said Dad, “Pancake Sundae”
“Ooooh can I share?” said Jessie. “Me too” Tommy joined in, already next to Dad with his spoon… “Go on then,” smiled Mum, “I’ll just have a little taste too!”
The End.
