International Pancake Day

by Lauri Griffin | More from this Blogger

04 Feb 2008 07:37 PM

Tomorrow is International Pancake Day, along with Fat Tuesday, Mardi Gras, Candlemas, and Shrove Tuesday. In many parts of Europe it is still traditional to have pancakes on the Tuesday before Lent begins. I'm sure making pancakes and sweet desserts was a way to use up all those eggs, oils, and butters before the fasting of Lent begin.

According to Wikipedia one town in England, Olney, has been holding a pancake race since 1455. The contestants have to wear an apron and flip their pancakes while running. Their pancakes are thin, more like what we call crepes. I'm sure it's hard to flip that thin of a pancake while running. Legend says it all began with a woman trying to use up the last of her oil. She heard the church bells and ran with her skillet and pancake in hand to get to the church on time. I can just see a frugal mom trying to use up the last of the eggs and butter. It reminds me of those crazy mornings when I throw breakfast to the kids in the car.

Pancake Day is here in the states, too. The town of Liberal, Kansas has been having a pancake race for more than fifty years now. They have a friendly competition going with the residents of Olney.

I do think a pancake race would make for a very fun relay race for the kids. I would recommend using lightweight skillets instead of a heavy iron skillet. You wouldn't want anybody to break a toe or anything. Since I only have heavy griddles and skillets we may just try a pancake flipping contest.

And of course, any excuse to eat pancakes works for me. I just bought syrup at the store this morning. Now we just have decide what kind we want....

Also See:

Flip for Pancakes on National Pancake Day!

Romancing Candlemas: Light Your Fire with Old Traditions

Candlemas and Groundhog Day: Folkloric Origins

Learn more about Lauri Griffin

Lauri lives in Colorado with her husband and three sons. Amidst all the laundry and packing of lunches, she tries to keep parenting fun.

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