The UK : Easter Pancakes

 

31st March 2024 marks Easter, a celebration in Christianity commemorating the resurrection of Christ. This widely embraced Christian holiday, now quite prevalent in Japan, is a moveable feast, changing dates each year. Despite the uncertainties of the pandemic, places like Tokyo Disneyland used to host Easter events in pre-COVID times, featuring egg-shaped chocolates and festive treats.

The Easter period spans about a month and a half. In Catholic tradition, it kicks off with Shrove Tuesday's Carnival, 41 days before Easter, followed by Ash Wednesday, marking the start of Lent – a period focusing on prayer, fasting, and charitable acts, sharing in the suffering of Christ. During Lent, individuals often undertake acts of kindness or give up indulgences such as sweets.

On Shrove Tuesday, known in the UK as "Pancake Day," festivities involve making and flipping pancakes in a unique competition. Towns and villages host pancake-flipping challenges, and some even attempt the challenge at home, flipping pancakes to see who can achieve the most tosses. In a delightful twist, during the world tour of the musical "Billy Elliot," the UK cast celebrated Pancake Day in Japan by flipping pancakes on stage before the performance, creating a memorable experience.

Unlike the thick and fluffy pancakes popular in Australia, the US, or Japan, British pancakes are closer to crêpes – thin, yet delightfully chewy. The traditional topping isn't syrup or whipped cream but a simple combination of lemon juice and granulated sugar. Sprinkled on a freshly cooked pancake and rolled up, the residual heat melts the sugar into the lemon juice, creating a subtly sweet and tangy flavor.

During an international student event in Japan showcasing various countries' iconic dishes, British students impressed attendees by cooking and serving these pancakes. Despite their simplicity, a student proudly proclaimed, "While it may be simple compared to dishes from other countries, I believe it holds its own when it comes to deliciousness." Pancakes may lack flamboyance, but their unmatched flavor and simplicity shine through.

This pancake recipe is relatively straightforward, making it an ideal snack. Although Pancake Day 2022 has already passed, the refreshing combination of lemon and sugar makes them perfect for a summer treat. When I made them previously, preparation took 20 minutes, and my family devoured them in just 5 minutes.

Recipe:

100g all-purpose flour

2 large eggs

300ml milk

1 tablespoon of vegetable oil

A pinch of salt

Lemon juice (to taste)

Granulated sugar (to taste)

Sift the flour.

In a bowl, mix flour, eggs, milk, oil, and salt until you have a smooth batter.

Let the batter rest for 30 minutes (optional, for a smoother texture).

Heat a frying pan over medium heat and grease it with oil using a kitchen paper towel.

Pour the batter thinly into the pan, spreading it to match the pan's size.

Cook one side for a minute, then flip and cook the other side for another minute.

Stack the cooked pancakes on a plate, keeping them warm.

Spread the pancakes on a plate, sprinkle with lemon juice and sugar while warm, then either fold into quarters or roll. (For those not fond of lemon or sugar, feel free to use your preferred seasoning.)