That's right! It's Pancake Tuesday!
According to Wikipedia, among Anglicans, Lutherans, some other Protestant denominations, including ethnic British communities in Canada, as well a few Catholics, this day is known as Pancake Tuesday, as it is customary to eat pancakes. Pancakes and doughnuts are associated with the day preceding Lent because they were a way to use up rich foodstuffs such as eggs, milk, and sugar, before the fasting season of the 40 days of Lent. The liturgical fasting emphasized eating plainer food and refraining from food that would give pleasure: In many cultures, this means no meat, dairy, or eggs.
On Pancake Day, pancake races are held in villages and towns across the United Kingdom. The tradition is said to have originated when a housewife from Olney was so busy making pancakes that she forgot the time until she heard the church bells ringing for the service. She raced out of the house to church while still carrying her frying pan and pancake. It remains a relatively common festive tradition in the UK, particularly in England even today, is the pancake race whereby participants race through the streets whilst tossing pancakes into the air, catching them in the pan whilst running.
Since 1950 the people of Liberal, Kansas, and Olney have held the "International Pancake Day" race between the two towns. The two towns' competitors race along an agreed-upon measured course. The competitors' times are compared and an overall winner is declared.
Whether you enjoy a short stack at your favorite breakfast place or cook 'em up at home, have some light, fluffy, delicious pancakes today! Here is a simple recipe for no-fail pancakes you can make from scratch. As with most recipes, you can modify this to your liking. Add some fresh fruit, use whole wheat flour instead of white, use buttermilk instead of regular milk, make them thinner or thicker, larger or smaller, whatever you prefer.
For a printable version of this recipe without photos, click here.
