In Training

Pancake Day may still be a little over three weeks away, but there’s nothing like getting in training.
Truth is I can savour pancakes any time of year, yet alone on a solitary day in February or March. And they are incredibly easy and quick to make.  Even so when I got back from the shops today, I was still somewhat surprised when asked what she would like for a lunchtime snack, my wife Jill immediately replied “pancakes.”
Especially as she has been off her food for a few weeks — a welcome sign perhaps that she is beginning to regain her appetite!
Although simple and speedy to prepare, I still cannot compare mine with the ultra-thin crepes that we enjoy in France, and indeed here on many occasions.
But pancake day and Shrove Tuesday as it is officially called has religious connotations and is dependent on when Easter falls.  Shrove Tuesday is officially the day before Ash Wednesday which itself is the first day of Lent in Christian religions and it is often said the pancake link came as a prelude to the 40 days of fasting, giving up luxuries and practising self discipline.
I remember as a youngster, pancake day was always a special luxury. It still is many years on, but being so simple to prepare and cook, I realise I no longer need wait a full year  for that day to come round.  On one occasion, a Danish friend who was living with us for a while, cooked me a whole load of them as a lunchtime snack. ‘Fraid I gave up after the seventh one.

Yet today’s was a welcome change and you can bet your life Tuesday, February 17 is firmly in my diary for another lunchtime delight!