Shrove Tuesday (Pancake Day!)

Known across the UK as ‘Pancake Day’, and in France and North America as Mardi Gras, Shrove Tuesday is an important celebration in the Christian calendar. It marks the day before lent begins.

Lent is a 40 day period ending just before the Easter weekend. It is traditionally a time of sacrifice during which Christians would eat only light meals and avoid foods such as meat and fish, fats, eggs, and milky foods. In the days leading up to the start of lent people would often feast on those foods to use them all up and prepare for a more austere couple of months!

Now days many people, even those who are not practising Christians, use this time to give up chocolate or other sweet food as a test of willpower.

You can read more about Lent and its routes in the Christian religion here.

In terms of choice of pancake recipe, opinions vary widely from a classic crepe to a more robust, American style pancake, and while some people swear by a savour topping like cheese or bacon, for many people sugar and lemon juice remain a firm favourite.

For your own pancake day inspiration check out this selection of ideas.