What is Shrove Tuesday?
Shrove Tuesday (also known as Pancake Tuesday) is a Christian festival celebrated in many countries across the globe.
It falls on the Tuesday before the beginning of Lent – a period of around six weeks leading up to Easter.
During Lent, Christians can choose to give up luxuries to remember when Jesus went into the desert for 40 days to fast and pray.
But why is it called ‘Shrove Tuesday’?
The name comes from the old word ‘shriving’, which means to listen to someone’s sins and forgive them.
It is common to go to church on Shrove Tuesday to confess sins and be ‘shriven’. A bell even used to be rung to call people to come to Church and go to confession!
Why do we make pancakes on Shrove Tuesday?
Because Lent is a 40 day fasting period in the run up to Easter, households would traditionally clear their cupboards of all rich and fatty foods in advance.
Eggs, milk, sugar and chocolate would have to be used up. What could these ingredients possibly combine to create?!
Why don’t you try out this pancake recipe on Tuesday (get an adult to help you!):
Pancake Ingredients
125g of plain or all purpose white flour
250 ml whole milk
250 ml water
2 large eggs
pinch of salt
Butter or oil (for frying)
Utensils
Large mixing bowl and whisk/fork
Frying pan
Spatula
Dinner plate
Time
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Total: 20 minutes
Directions
1) Add the flour, milk, water, eggs and salt to your bowl or blender.
2) Whisk until a smooth mixture (perfect for pouring) is formed.
3) Heat your pan with a little oil or butter added (you might need some adult help with this one!)
4) Pour enough batter onto your pan to cover the base completely. Tilt your pan from side to side to spread mixture evenly.
5) The batter should sizzle when it hits the pan. Turn down the heat to medium after a few seconds.
6) Once your batter looks dry on top, flip your Irish pancake and cook for a further 30-60 seconds on the other side. (If you feel brave, you can even try flipping your pancake! Who in your household can flip it the most times?)
7) Remove your finished pancake to a plate and repeat the process.
8) Once all your batter is finished, grab your toppings! (Lemon and sugar? Chocolate? Banana? Bacon and maple syrup? Endless options!)
9) Enjoy!
