Celebrating Pancake Day 2024 With a Touch of Cornwall

This Pancake Day 2024, we’re diving into the rich history of this beloved celebration and showing you how to infuse your pancakes with a delightful Cornish flair!

Let’s bring Cornwall to your kitchen with these inspired pancake ideas!

Understanding the Significance of Pancake Day

Amid the delicious frenzy of Pancake Day, it’s important to revisit the essence of this celebration.

Known formally as Shrove Tuesday, this day is the precursor to Lent’s commencement on Ash Wednesday. Positioned 47 days before Easter, its date varies annually. This year, landing on the 13th of February.

For Christians, Lent signifies a 40-day period of fasting leading to Easter. Shrove Tuesday traditionally serves as a day for confessing sins and receiving absolution before Lent’s penitential season.

This day also represents the last chance to enjoy foods like eggs and butter, making pancakes an ideal choice.

The fundamental ingredients of pancakes symbolise key themes of the Easter tradition:

• Flour – Symbolising sustenance
• Milk – Denoting purity
• Eggs – Representing creation
• Salt – Signifying integrity

Thus, the tradition of Pancake Day, as we cherish it today, was established.

Crafting Cornish-Style Pancakes

The base recipe for pancakes is quite straightforward. Follow the recipe below to whip up a dozen Cornish-inspired pancakes.

Ingredients:

• 100g plain flour
• 2 large eggs
• 300ml milk
• A pinch of salt
• 50g butter

Method:

1. Sift the flour into a mixing bowl. Gradually incorporate the eggs, milk, and salt, whisking until you achieve a smooth batter.
2. Preheat a frying pan over medium heat and melt a bit of butter. Pour in a thin layer of batter and cook at high heat for 30 seconds. Then, lower the heat, flip the pancake, and cook until golden brown on both sides.
3. Continue with the remaining batter, keeping cooked pancakes warm in an oven set to low heat, or serve immediately.
4. Complement your pancakes with a selection of sumptuous Cornish toppings detailed below.

Cornish Toppings for Your Pancakes

Cornwall’s local produce is unparalleled in quality. From its famous clotted cream and ice cream to its exquisite seafood, here are some Cornish-inspired topping ideas to enhance your Pancake Day:

• Cornish Clotted Cream: A classic choice. Pair it with jam or fresh fruits such as strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries for a delightful combination.
• Cornish Ice Cream: For a creamy indulgence, top your pancakes with Cornish ice cream. Add bananas, chocolate chips, or Cornish fudge for an extra treat.
• Savoury Seafood Options: For those who prefer savoury pancakes, consider toppings of cod, haddock, salmon, or even luxurious shellfish such as lobster, crab, or prawns.
• Cornish Brie: A fantastic savoury alternative. True Cornish brie melts wonderfully on warm pancakes. Enhance this with garlic mushrooms or ham for a gourmet experience.

We’d love to hear your preferred toppings! Share your Cornish pancake creations with us on social media.