Who's excited? 

If you're anything like my son, you'll have been looking forward to today for weeks. Yes, I know that we can have pancakes any day of the week (and if he can get away with it, then my son does!) but there's a purpose to today and it makes it okay to eat as many as you like without feeling the guilt!

So what's the perfect recipe?
In my eyes, it's all about keeping it simple. The classic ones are the best, it's the toppings that make the difference but you can't beat a bit of lemon and sugar. It's the done thing!

So, you need a recipe, somewhere to start. Here goes................
140g plain flour
300ml whole milk
2 eggs - free range are best (the fresher the better)
Lard for cooking. The best and the original fat for cooking pancakes.

Grab yourself a nice big bowl and sift the flour into it along with a pinch of salt. Sifting the flour ensures that the mixture will remain light. Make a well in the centre ready to drop in your eggs.
Break in both eggs and start to whisk them slowly, gradually pulling in the flour from the sides.
Now add the milk, a little at a time, whisking consistently and ensuring that you incorporate all of the flour into the mix to ensure a nice smooth mixture which should resemble single cream.

I saw a recipe recently that uses 25g melted butter in the recipe - not something that I've tried but I assume it would give a lovely rich flavour to the mix. Rather indulgent I think. It's optional of course so the choice is yours.

Heat your frying pan adding the lard (just enough to give a coating) until melted and pour around two tablespoons of batter into the pan, swirling around enough to cover the base of the pan evenly.
The batter should assume a thin but lacey like effect on the base of the pan. It'll take less than a minute to cook the first side, don't have your heat on the highest as it will burn the pancake.

Here's the fun bit (are you brave enough?) The easy option is to use a fish slice or palette knife but if you're feeling particularly brave..................................... get flippin'!!!!!

Cook side two and then turn out onto a plate and enjoy with all manner of toppings.
Our favourite, as I said is the traditional lemon and sugar but to be fair, the world is your oyster. Try Nutella, cream, butter, syrup, maple syrup, berries, jam, maybe a comination of them all.  Get creative................................. the list is endless.

It's all about the day, being indulgent and enjoying what is one of the easiest recipes ever invented.
Now off you go, never has there been a better day to "flip out"

Pancake Day is derived from Shrove Tuesday and as most traditions has a reason.  You can find out how Shrove Tuesday came about by reading this article from The Manchester Evening News here.  

ENJOY!