Shrove Tuesday/Pancake Day

Today is Shrove Tuesday or Pancake Day which is the last day before Lent. In England it is traditional on this day to eat pancakes.The name Shrove comes from the old word "shrive" which means to confess. On Shrove Tuesday, in the Middle Ages, people used to confess their sins so that they were forgiven before the season of Lent began.

Lent is therefore a time of abstinence, of giving things up. I know people who today might give up alcohol or chocolate during this period. However, Shrove Tuesday is a day of celebration as well as penitence. So Shrove Tuesday is the last chance to indulge yourself, and to use up the foods that aren't allowed in Lent. Pancakes are eaten on this day because they contain fat, butter and eggs which were forbidden during Lent.

Here is a link to Nigella Lawson's Pancake Mix with Blueberry Syrup It is a good idea to make the dry pancake mix ready for when you need it. Enjoy - really yummy!

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