A Little History Of Pancake Tuesday

Today is the day we all go flipping crazy for pancakes! Pancake Tuesday, or Shrove Tuesday, to give it its proper name, always falls before Ash Wednesday which marks the start of Lent. Shrove Tuesday is observed by Anglicans, Catholics and Methodists, so-called because it relates to the word ‘shrive;’ which means ‘absolve’. Shrove Tuesday is a day for deep reflection and soul searching before Lent begins in earnest.

When is Pancake Tuesday in 2022

Pancake Tuesday is the 1st of March in 2022. It’s the traditional feast day just before the 40 days of Lent fasting leading up to Easter. Pancake Tuesday became a great day for using up products that would not be consumed during Lent, such as eggs, milk and butter.

The meat was banned on Shrove Tuesday

In days of old, the fasting and abstinence of Lent were taken very seriously indeed. The meat was banned and most Irish families ate only one small meal per day, probably potatoes, without the usual butter and milk! On the day before Ash Wednesday, all the rich foods in the house had to be used up. Eggs and milk were among these. The wily housewives of the time used them for pancakes, and the tradition has stuck. Pancake Tuesday is celebrated all over Ireland and in the UK too. In South America, Pancake Tuesday is called Mardi Gras – ‘Fat Tuesday’, which has the same religious connotations.

Lent Abstinence

Lent is still observed in Ireland, but rather than complete fasting, many choose to use the time to give up something they really enjoy. Chocolate, alcohol, cigarettes, coffee and TV are just some of the things people abstain from during Lent. It’s a good excuse to get into the swing of a change of habits and/or a healthier lifestyle. At least for a short while!

How to Eat Pancakes

The traditional way to eat pancakes is straight from the pan, with lemon juice and sugar sprinkled over. But we have a few extra ideas from our chefs, to add a little variation to the theme.

Pancake Recipes For Pancake Tuesday

Something a little different for Pancake Tuesday is the Potato Pancakes from Boxty.

Boxty also offers a delicious Pancake recipe that includes Bacon, Maple Syrup and Toasted Hazelnuts, sounds absolutely delicious or perhaps you might prefer the Caramelised Banana, Dark Chocolate and Toasted Hazelnut Pancakes also from Boxty.

In the mood for something a little more fruity then why not try the Greek Yoghurt, Lemon Zest and Pistachio pancake recipe, also from Boxty.

For the more traditionalists, we provide a delicious buttermilk pancake recipe or the simpler Pancake Batter recipe from Darina Allen.

And for something a little fishy why not try Burren Smokehouse’s Organic Salmon Pancake recipe. Or something a little cheesy then take a look at our Ricotta and Mixed Berries pancake recipe for a delicious breakfast pancake.

For something simpler then Brooks provides this delicious Pancake Recipe.

Pancakes are a truly delicious and diverse dish that shouldn’t be reserved for just one day a year but should be enjoyed and experimented with on a much more regular basis, so go ahead and play around with the above recipes and see which one becomes your favourite.

Happy Pancake Tuesday!

 Written by: Good Food Ireland®