Pancakes – 6 favourites you need to eat!

Pancakes are a big hit in this house. We normally have them on a Saturday or a Sunday and then any leftover will be frozen and then eaten by Ted and I during the week. Defrosted of course! When I decided to write this blog I began to wonder where pancakes had come from. And don’t say the frying pan! So I decided to Wikipedia the answer.

 

Firstly pancakes or hotcake, griddle cake or even a flapjack? is a a flat cake often thin and round, prepared from eggs, milk and flour. It is often cooked on a hot surface like a griddle or a frying pan and is mostly fried in butter or oil. American style pancakes (the ones we like to eat in this house for breakfast a lot) are similar to Scottish or Welsh pancakes also known as drop scones.

Archaeological evidence suggests that pancakes were the earliest and most widespread food to be in eaten in prehistoric times. The ancient Greeks made pancakes called teganites and the earliest reference to them are in the works of the two 5th century BC poets, Cratinus and Magnes. It is believe that taganites were made with wheat flour, olive oil, honey and curdled milk. They would normally be served for breakfast. The ancient Romans also had a pancake they liked to cook. It was called alia dulcia which is Latin for ‘other sweets’. These were much different from what are known as pancakes today.

A pancakes shape and structure varies worldwide. A crepe is a thin, Breton pancake of French origin cooked on both sides in a special pan or crepe maker to achieve a lacelike network of fine bubbles. There is another well known variation which originates from southeast Europe. It is called a palacinke and it is a thin pancake fried on both sides, then filled with jam, chocolate, or ground walnuts but many other fillings, sweet or savoury.

Pancakes may be served at any time of the day. We normally eat them for breakfast but they make a great afternoon snack or dessert but they also are fantastic as part of a main meal. They can be made with a variety of toppings or fillings including jam, fruit, syrup, chocolate chips or meat. In America they are typically considered a breakfast food. Although in Britain they are associated with a celebration called Shrove Tuesday. Most commonly known as Pancake Day when perishable ingredients have to be used up before the fasting period of lent.

As I mentioned earlier, pancakes are a huge favourite in our house, and any leftovers will always be eaten by Ted and I in the week. Pancakes are great because they can be frozen once they are cooked and have cooled. Or you can freeze the batter mix and eat again on another day. I always make my batter mix the night before and then store in the fridge. I have a hungry little almost four year old who almost demands breakfast as soon as we are downstairs. So for me there is nothing like being prepared and these pancake recipes mean you can be ready.

6) Sweet Potato Pancakes – One of my first recipes on this blog and there. have been many variations on my blog since. A great recipe everyone can enjoy.

5) Date and Banana Pancakes – Another favourite! The dates add a sticky sweetness to the pancake that makes them a delicious treat in the morning.

4) Breakfast Pizza Pancake – It’s a pancake that’s different and family nor friends will know what to expect but it is delicious.

3) Chocolate Tropical Fruit Pancakes – A sweet and slightly doughy pancake that the family loved. It’s a strange combination but works well.

2) Gallettes – A savoury recipe we brought home with us from our holiday in France last year and one we all still enjoy.

1) Vegan Banana and Raspberry Pancakes – A great pancake that will fill you up and keep you going until lunch time. The banana is sweet while the raspberries add a little sourness. It makes a great sweet and sour flavour to this pancake.