Pancake Day, it's a real holiday...sort of...

On the theme of holidays that aren't really holidays I present Pancake Day, more officially known as Shrove Tuesday, that day on your calendar that you always wondered what the hell it was, but knew wasn't that important because you still had to work. Were it listed on calendars as Pancake Day I really feel it's popularity would peak, just a suggestion.

I suppose you are wondering what the association between pancakes and penance is and to be honest, it's a bit of a leap. Essentially because it is the day before Lent starts Christians figured they needed to eat something delicious to make up for the fact that they would be eating 'plain' food for the following 40 days (this tradition is considerably more mild now with people only abstaining from something they enjoy rather than everything, it's also not a requirement but something more along the lines of a friendly suggestion). Pancakes were apparently chosen to celebrate Shrove Tuesday because of their content - sugar, butter, flour and eggs - foods that were commonly fasted during Lent, although it doesn't seem like any one could agree on what was considered appropriate fasting back in the day with some ruling out all animal products and others refraining from eating anything at all during the day.

Now no matter what your religion it would be hard to turn down a holiday that celebrates eating pancakes even if you don't intend on shriving anything afterwards.

This year instead of making traditional pancakes I decided to go a different route and combine all the best things that are associated with pancakes, the outcome: Maple Syrup and Bacon Pancakes. And they are pretty marvelous.

They are so good I am posting the recipe:

Maple Syrup and Bacon Pancakes

2 c flour
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 egg
3/4 c milk
1/2 c maple syrup
2 tbsp melted butter
200g bacon

1) Cook the bacon to desired crispiness (I like it really crispy but whatever floats your boat, they're your pancakes), chop in to pieces and set aside.

2) Combine the dry ingredients.

3) In a separate bowl combine the wet ingredients. Mix well and then slowly add to the dry ingredients mixing until there are no lumps, add the bacon to the batter and mix. If it's too thick for your liking you can always add a couple more tablespoons of milk or maple syrup.

5) Heat a buttered frying pan (medium high heat - you can use oil if you like but butter tastes better). Pour or scoop the batter onto the pan, using approximately 1/4 cup for each pancake. Brown on both sides and serve hot.

Ta da!

Seriously, try and not celebrate now. Happy Pancake Day, everyone!