A passion for PANCAKES

If you’re planning to stir, toss and fry this Shrove Tuesday, you’ll enjoy these 10 tasty facts

- CLARE WALTERS

Pancakes have been a staple food for thousands of years, and are made all over the world using similar basic ingredients. They are generally cooked on the stove in a pan or griddle, and are topped with anything from meat and cheese to fruit, chocolate or even caviar. Tempted? See our recipes on page 22.

1 Temptation beater

Of course pancakes have long been eaten on Shrove Tuesday – Pancake Day – the day before Ash Wednesday, which is the first day of Lent. Traditionally, people fasted during Lent, so they got into the habit of making pancakes to use up the last of the rich foods, such as eggs, butter, sugar and fat.

2 Ancient delicacy

Pancakes have a long history – the Ancient Greeks and Romans liked them for breakfast. They were made without eggs or milk, just flour mixed with water and perhaps a pinch of salt, then fried in olive oil. Typically, they would be topped with honey, sesame seeds or dates.

3 Favourite ingredients