Shrove Or Pancake Tuesday

Shrove Tuesday (known in some countries as Pancake Tuesday) is a movable festival day preceding Ash Wednesday (the first day of Lent), which is celebrated in Australia (and other countries) by consuming pancakes.

Being the last day before the penitential season of Lent – the 40 days leading up to Easter, related popular practices, such as indulging in food that one sacrifices for Lent, are associated with Shrove Tuesday celebrations, before commencing the fasting and religious obligations associated with Lent.

By observing the 40 days of Lent, Christians replicate Jesus Christ’s sacrifice and withdrawal into the desert for 40 days. Lent is marked by fasting, both from food and festivities

The expression “Shrove Tuesday” comes from the word shrive, meaning “absolve”. Shrove Tuesday is observed by many Christians, including Anglicans, Lutherans, Methodists and Roman Catholics, who make a special point of self-examination, of considering what wrongs they need to repent, and what amendments of life or areas of spiritual growth they especially need to ask God’s help in dealing with.

Easy Pancake Recipe

Ingredients:

  • 1 3/4 cup milk
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla essence
  • 2 cups self-raising flour
  • 1/3 cup caster sugar

Method:

  1. Whisk milk, eggs and vanilla together in a jug.
  2. Sift flour into a large bowl. Stir in sugar.
  3. Make a well in the centre. Add milk mixture. Whisk until just combined.
  4. Heat a large non-stick frying pan over medium heat. Spray with cooking oil.
  5. Using 1/4 cup mixture per pancake, cook 2 pancakes for 2 minutes or until bubbles appear on surface. Turn and cook for a further 1-2 minutes or until cooked through.
  6. Transfer to a plate. Cover loosely with foil to keep warm. Repeat with remaining mixture, spraying pan with cooking oil between batches.
  7. Cover with maple syrup or lemon and sugar.