Without a doubt, delicious pancakes deserve a day worth giving up our diet for. Actually, joking apart, this is kind of why Pancake Day was “established” on the first place.
Officially called Shrove Tuesday, Pancake Day falls on a Tuesday 40 days before Easter preceding the period of Lent. The reason behind the “gastronomical nickname” is that in many countries people celebrate by consuming pancakes. This year, 13 February marks the last day of fat-eating. If you would fancy a few flavourful pancakes, you better look around in the kitchen and make sure you didn’t run out of ingredients. It’s the last opportunity to eat up all the food that Lent prohibits – such as eggs, butter and fat. Grab the frying pan now!
The role of pancakes does not lie solely in conquering our plates, because certain events are attached to it too, such as pancake races. The most famous one is held for ladies above sixteen at Olney, Buckinghamshire, including a 380 metres run in a cap and apron, as well as pancake flipping.
This tradition actually dates back to 1445; it became an international event in just 5 years. Fun fact: the race will be organized this year too! Traditionally, the winner doesn’t take home anything but the kiss she receives from the Pancake Bell Ringer. (It refers to the church bells that rung to remind parishioners to come to confession.)
Hungarian pancake
Though pancakes are extremely popular in Hungary, – our version is flat and thin – we’ve not heard of a a similar race here. Originating most probably from the Roman plazenta (a small and round cake which substituted bread), pancakes are served both sweet and salty. The list of fillings is simply endless; marmalade, túró (curd), cinnamon and cocoa definitely take the lead. Our most famous, salty version is meat filled hortobágyi pancake which became a national dish associated with the country.
