6th November 2023
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Pancake day (or Shrove Tuesday) brings a bit of excitement into semester two, as we wait for spring to come around with its lighter nights, slightly warmer weather and new life. I mean, you can’t go wrong with a day specifically for eating as many pancakes as you like. And this year, Shrove Tuesday falls on the 1stMarch, so you best get prepared and ready!
Like us, Pancake Day may have creped up on you this year, so why not get inspired with our collection of pancake recipes? Whether you’re opting for the classic crepe or have been looking for a vegan alternative, we’ve got you covered! Because if you’ve not had pancakes for as many meals as possible, then you’re not doing it right.
When I was younger, I remember crêpes being such a weekend treat. We could go crazy on the Nutella, syrup, lemon and sugar – whatever we wanted! I still get that same excitement now, when my housemates and I muster the energy for a pancake morning. I don’t know what it is about the smell of pancake batter hitting the sizzling oil, but you know you’re in for a good day when it hits you. If this is your first time attempting pancakes away from home (we’ve all been there), then this recipe from delish will guide you through the process.
Crêpes are great and all, but sometimes you need to speed up pancake production, to avoid arguments amongst hangry housemates. If you’ve ever watched Matilda, then this American pancake recipe will take you right back to the film. As you whip up this Good Food recipe, it’s impossible not to have Send Me on My Way playing in the background, just like in the movie. Channel Matilda’s main character energy this pancake day, with a stack of American pancakes before you hit Tuesday morning lectures!
The first two recipes are all well and good, but there’s nothing going on for the vegans amongst us. Don’t worry though, because Good Food have saved the day yet again, with this vegan banana pancake recipe! To jazz the pancakes up, you could even (kind of) caramelise some bananas, by microwaving sliced bananas and sugar in the microwave. Alternatively, why not try some Jim Jams vegan chocolate spread?
Another classic breakfast when I was younger, was blueberry pancakes. These are just a simple twist you can take on the American pancakes or vegan recipe, by simply stirring a few handfuls of blueberries into the batter before frying. Believe me, the way the sweet yet tangy flavour of the blueberries bursts on your tongue will make for an amazingly refreshing start to your day.
If you fancy making pancakes your whole evening meal, why not start off with a ham and cheese crêpe? With a tasty salad on the side, this combination is a good way to kickstart your evening of flipping pancakes.
When I think of pancake day, a few things come to mind. These are: Nutella, Lyle’s Golden Syrup, and lemon and sugar. In my opinion, these are the golden trio of pancake toppings, three that you just can’t go wrong with. If you’re trying to please a crowd of hungry housemates on Tuesday, make sure you’ve got each of these in!
One of the most luxurious breakfasts I could order when eating out, is a stack of pancakes covered in crispy bacon and maple syrup. Throw on a few caramelised bananas and you’ve made my day. This extravagance can be brought into your uni kitchen if you’ve got a bit of extra time on Tuesday morning.
If you’re a bit of a rebel, someone who looks at the norm and thinks “no, that’s not for me”, then Pancake Day can be your opportunity to exercise some creative talent on toppings. I’m talking sprinkles, chocolate buttons, ice cream – whatever you think would work on a pancake! This could even be made into a competition amongst your housemates, of who can create the best combination of toppings. Go wild.
Hopefully we’ve inspired you to run to the shops and stock up on ingredients ready for the big day. Whether you’re going for an American pancake, vegan or crêpe, enjoy the excuse to indulge a bit more than you would on your usual Tuesday.
If you want to learn more about Pancake Day, check out our article on its history
