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With Pancake Day (or Shrove Tuesday) just around the corner, now is the perfect time to gather your ingredients and get inspired. This day doesn’t have to just be about cooking and eating pancakes – how about pancake inspired drinks or activities for the kids?
Pancakes are wonderfully versatile and, thankfully, simple to make! With just a few basic ingredients, you can whip up a delicious batter in no time. Whether you prefer sweet or savoury, customising your pancakes with different toppings or mix-ins is effortless. In fact, why not enjoy them for more than one meal on Pancake Day and make the most of the celebration?
A simple thin pancake mix recipe is available here and makes 12 small pancakes. These crepe style pancakes are made with just 5 ingredients with equipment you probably have in the house already – like a frying pan, spatula, whisk and some measuring spoons! Shop our full range of kitchen tools & utensils here, if not.
Prefer American-style pancakes? These thick, fluffy delights use mostly the same ingredients as traditional crêpes, with the simple addition of baking powder to give them their signature rise. Traditionally served with maple syrup and crispy bacon, they’re incredibly versatile—top them with berries, chocolate, or even bananas for a twist.
Need some flavour inspiration? Try a cherry and almond combination for a delicious Cherry Bakewell-style treat. Click here to check out a recipe from our friends at NEFF Home here!
If you don’t need a full batch, check out this pancake mix recipe for one! Perfect for celebrating Pancake Day solo or with a plus one, it helps reduce waste and avoids the temptation of eating pancakes all week just to use up leftover batter. Enjoy a fresh, perfectly portioned treat without the excess!
The search for Pancake Day themed cocktails has increased recently, where many Brits are looking at creating an alcoholic liquid alternative to traditional pancakes. A delicious option is the Maple Pancake Gimlet – a cocktail made of gin, maple syrup and lime juice. Unlike a traditional whiskey Gimlet, the gin offers a more neutral base, ideal for pairing with some sweet pancakes.
Making the perfect Maple Pancake Gimlet this Shrove Tuesday is actually easier than it sounds. Simply begin by pouring 50ml gin, 20ml fresh lime juice, and 15ml of maple syrup into a cocktail shaker with ice, and shake.
Additionally, for those with a sweet tooth, add 5ml vanilla syrup (or more to taste), for that extra ‘pancake’ sweetness. Strain the cocktail into a cocktail glass and finish with a dash of orange zest or candied peel.
Make Pancake Day extra exciting for the little ones with a fun-filled pancake race! The tradition dates back to 1445, when a woman, caught up in making pancakes, heard the church bells ring and dashed off — still in her apron, frying pan in hand — flipping her pancake as she ran to keep it from burning.
This year, why not recreate the fun with a child-friendly twist? Instead of a real frying pan, use a toy frying pan or a plastic plate and see who can cross the finish line the fastest while flipping their ‘pancake.’ Or, have a balloon in one hand and the frying pan in the other, without dropping either. It’s a great way to burn off some of that sugar-fuelled energy from the day’s treats!
Leekes Melksham store team enjoying a pancake race.
Fluffy American pancakes recipe – BBC Food
Cherry bakewell pancakes | NEFF UK
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Posted by Leekes on February 27, 2025 in Cooking & dining, Inspiration, Lifestyle advice, Seasonal