Tomorrow, Feb. 16, 2010,  is traditionally known as Shrove Tuesday.  It is the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent, a season of fasting.  Shrove is a derivative of shrive meaning to confess sins.   Historically, observers of the Lent season was forbidden to consume meat, milk, eggs and butter.   Families would use up their stored foods and on Shrove Tuesday by making pancakes….. and lots of them.

Shrove Tuesday’s pancake tradition spurred the celebration of Pancake Day in Western Europe, US, Australia, and the UK.  Pancake Day is more than just eating pancakes all day long.  It has been said that in in 1445 a woman was cooking pancakes when the church bells began to ring out calling people to attend the shriving service.  Hearing the bells, the woman grabbed a scarf and ran out of her home frying pan in hand with a pancake.  She was racing to church…..and that was the beginning of the pancake race.  There are organized races of women carrying frying pans, flipping pancakes, and running to the finish line…. the church.

So, tomorrow have a little fun with Pancake Day or Shrove Tuesday.  Eat pancakes all day long.  Have a race with your kids…. go outside with frying pans and pancakes……run while flipping pancakes…..most of all laugh and have fun!!!

My pancake recipe:

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 3 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon white sugar
• 1 1/4 cups milk
• 1 egg
• 3 tablespoons butter, melted

Directions

1. In a large bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, salt and sugar. Make a well in the center and pour in the milk, egg and melted butter; mix until smooth.
2. Heat a lightly oiled griddle or frying pan over medium high heat. Pour or scoop the batter onto the griddle, using approximately 1/4 cup for each pancake. Brown on both sides and serve hot.

Come back tomorrow for Lent activities for you and your family…..

God Bless

Related posts:

1. Pancakes, Headaches, and a Handbag
2. Lent Season