Shrove Tuesday: Pancake Bar

It’s Pancake Day tomorrow and we are very excited. We thought you might be too and have taken the opportunity to put together something extra special to help you knock the socks off your friends. Make a real occasion of it this year and create your own at home pancake bar! It’s the perfect way to indulge, not that we ever need an excuse to indulge, and a great way to create an impression with minimal effort. All that really needs making is the batter. Pop a selection of toppings into some pretty little dishes and you’re done. It couldn’t be easier ladies.

Betty’s Pancake Bar
Makes 18

Ingredients

500g plain flour
5 large eggs
700ml milk

Topping Suggestions
Spiced stewed apple, Raspberries, Blueberries, Banana, Caramel, Nutella, Ricotta, Natural Yoghurt, Whipped cream, Ice cream, Honey, Maple Syrup, Golden Syrup, Lemon, Sugar, Chocolate Buttons (white, milk and dark), Marshmallows, Toasted Flaked Almonds, Toasted Chopped Hazelnuts.

Method
1. Sift the flour in to a mixing bowl. Make a well in the middle of the flour to crack your eggs in to.  Pour in a little milk and whisk, bringing the flour in to the centre of the bowl.  Gradually add the rest of the milk.  You will be left with a batter with the consistency of single cream.  Put aside and allow to rest for 30minutes.

2. Heat a little sunflower or groundnut oil in a crepe pan (or saucepan with shallow sides) on a medium to high heat.  Spoon one ladle of the batter in to the middle of the pan and using the handle, quickly tip the pan from side to side to ensure an even covering of batter.

3. Cook until there is no wet mixture on the top of the pancake, then flip using a spatula, or if you’re feeling gutsy enough, take hold of the handle and a flick of the wrist should have your pancake in the air.  Once browned on both sides, remove from the pan and place on a plate, before repeating for pancake no.2, and so on.

Favourite Flavour Combinations
Ricotta, raspberries, maple syrup and toasted flaked almonds
Nutella, ice cream, and toasted chopped hazelnuts
Spiced stewed apple, natural yoghurt and honey
Lemon and sugar – a classic
Banana, caramel and whipped cream
Blueberries and golden syrup
Chocolate buttons and marshmallows