This year, Shrove Tuesday fell during half term, the same as last year, so for the second year running we had pancakes on the beach at Prussia Cove, therefore making it a new family tradition.
It was easy to do with a little single gas stove, although this year was windier than last, so a windbreak was built with pebbles! I pre~make the mix in a jar so it can be shaken and poured on the beach.
I love creating these simple family rituals and moments together, that are inevitably centered around eating.
Whilst in Cornwall this year, I discovered that the day before Shrove Tuesday is called ‘Peasen Monday’ named after a pea soup traditionally eaten, and in the far west of the county, the evening is referred to as ‘Nickanan Night’ - a night a bit like ‘trick or treating’ where local youths play tricks on their neighbours in the hope of earning or even extorting a pancake the following day! I don’t know if this tradition still exists and is practised, I do hope so.
Pancake recipe
100 grams Plain Flour
2 Large Eggs
300 mls Milk
1 tablespoon Vegetable Oil (or sunflower, plus a little extra for frying)
Lemon Wedges (to serve, optional)
Caster Sugar (to serve, optional)
Whisk ingredients together to make a smooth batter and set aside for an hour. Heat the oil over a medium heat, adding a ladle of the pancake mix, moving it around the pan. Toss pancake to ensure both sides are equally cooked.
notes: In my experience, the first ‘practice’ pancake is never very good and usually sticks or I tear it in my impatience!