Pancakes

Today at Beamish we are celebrating Pancake Day or Shrove Tuesday. If you walk down our 1900’s Town Street chances are you can hear the sizzle of hot butter in a pan or smell that unmistakeable aroma. At Miss Smith’s House on Ravensworth Terrace, visitors are tasting traditional pancakes cooked on an open range.

Shrove Tuesday came about as a product of the day that followed; Ash Wednesday, which marked the start of Lent. The name ‘Shrove’ comes from the word ‘shriven’ meaning absolve, where Christians would confess their sins and ask for forgiveness before Lent. From Lent to Easter fasting was traditional and making pancakes was a way of getting rid of all the foods that were not allowed during this time. Giving up richer and more extravagant food for 40 days was seen as a way of exercising control and a time of self-examination, causing all the more celebration at Easter, that marked not only the miracle of Christ’s second coming but the end of this strict diet.

If you would like to try Miss Smith’s pancake recipe yourself you will need:

Ingredients:
4oz Plain Flour
½ Pint Milk
2 Large Eggs
1 Tablespoon of Butter

Method:
In a large bowl mix together the flour, milk and eggs and whisk until smooth and without lumps.
If possible leave the batter to rest for around 30 minutes in a cool larder to ensure the best results.
Heat a frying pan on the open range and grease with a little of your butter.
Spoon on the desired amount of batter, when ready flip over if you are feeling brave!

 
Miss Smith’s maid enjoyed her pancakes with a squeeze of lemon juice, but the lady of the house loves hers with a generous spoonful of jam!