Tomorrow is Shrove Tuesday; also known as Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday), or as I know it, Pancake Tuesday. In Christian tradition it is the last day before Lent, which is the season of reflection leading up to Easter. Not growing up in a Catholic tradition, I don’t remember as much significance being placed on giving something up for Lent, but I do remember Pancake Tuesday. I eventually learned that Shrove Tuesday was the day to use up all the rich foods in your house – such as milk, eggs and sugar – in preparation for living more simply throughout Lent. And one of the easiest ways to use up milk, eggs, and sugar is to make pancakes!
In honour of this occasion, I decided to find a pancake recipe that would truly reflect the richness of the day. I have a great bread cookbook that has many pancake recipes, and I found one with this description: “These cakes share the luxury of a full cup of sour cream and four eggs. They are outstanding!” So really, I felt an obligation to try this rich recipe, to make sure it was worthy of sharing with you here for your own Pancake Day. And it is most definitely worthy. I hope you will enjoy them!
Sour-Cream Pancakes
Sift together and set aside:
- 1 c unbleached all-purpose flour (I used 1/2 c all-pupose and 1/2 c whole wheat)
- ¼ c sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
In a large bowl, beat:
- 4 eggs
Blend into beaten eggs:
- 1 c sour cream
- ¼ c milk
Add dry ingredients to the sour-cream mixture, stirring only until dry ingredients are moistened. Batter will be lumpy; it is all right. Bake on a lightly greased preheated griddle at 375F, turning only once. Serve warm with butter and cinnamon sugar. Makes 12 4-inch pancakes.
We had ours with bananas, homemade strawberry sauce, and ginger syrup. Yum!
Great pancakes, Susie!!!! We enjoyed them this morning. Thanks. Happy Mardi Gras!
I’m so glad you enjoyed them! Happy Mardi Gras to you too!
Delicious! We made these on your advice today for pancake day and owen’s birthday. All went well until michael’s crisis about leaving the batter lumpy. W actually tried to find your phone number but couldn’t. He couldn’t help himself and mixed until smooth, still delicious!
Ha ha! I’m glad to hear they came out well despite the lack of lumps (it even said in the recipe that it was okay to have them!) I hope Owen had a great birthday!