Don’t give me hearts and flowers, just feed me!

February is such a weird month. 

It's cold and wet, green growth is slow and it always feels somewhat flat and un inviting. Except, it also happens to be home to one of my favourite days of the year.

No not valentines day, Blurghhhhh!

SHROVE TUESDAY! PANCAKE DAY!

Whatever you want to call it, for me it is a little moment a joy in the grey rainy gloom of the British winter.  Traditionally a time to clear your cupboards and one last treat before Lent begins. Also, traditionally the time of year that all school cookery room ceilings get a new coat of paint.

Often used as a quick and simple alternative to breads and cakes, all you need is a bowl, a spoon and a well seasoned skillet to create something full of flavours from your deepest childish memories or a crazy adult imagination.

After all, we all remember the pancakes on Jif lemon day (other brands and real fruit are available).

Pancakes are one of the first things I ever learned to make for myself when I could barely reach the stove and have been a go to staple ever since. Full disclosure, my first attempts were out of a box, American style, main brands classics. Soaked in maple syrup, I was very young and beg forgiveness for my sins. 

Since then Ive been privileged enough to eat and enjoy different styles of ‘pancakes’ all over the world. Wrapped with noodles and crab in Vietnam, stuffed with cream cheese and pickled fruits in Croatia or laced with cider brandy in Normandy, I’ve not met a pancake I wouldn't put in my face.

Pancakes are super versatile and easy to adapt for even the fussiest eaters, make them sweet or savoury and you can eat them at any time of the day (or night).

I’ve put together a couple of simple recipes that are a little different for you to enjoy with us:

Easy American style breakfast pancakes (gf,v,vg)

Enchiladas (gf,v,vg)

Spicy street rolls (gf,v)